Chef Salary in Auburn, Maine
The median chef salary in Auburn, ME is $50,303 per year, which is 11% below the national median and 9.2% below the Maine state average.
Chef Pay in Auburn: What to Expect (2026)
Auburn offers a median chef salary of $50,303, which is $5,087 below the Maine state average of $55,390. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Auburn pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Auburn's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 89% of the national average. This means the $50,303 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Auburn an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for chefs in Auburn spans from $29,548 at the 10th percentile to $87,042 at the 90th percentile — a $57,494 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,150, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $78,320. Auburn is a smaller market (pop. 23,926), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Chef Salary in Auburn by Experience
In Auburn, an entry-level chef earns around $31,150, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 89% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Auburn, ME
| Percentile | Auburn |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $29,548 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,558 |
| Median (50th) | $50,303 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,750 |
| 90th Percentile | $87,042 |
Chef Salary in Other Maine Cities
How to Become a Chef in Auburn
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Auburn and the surrounding Maine area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Auburn may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Auburn
Browse open chef positions in Auburn, ME: