Chef Salary in Bangor, Maine
The median chef salary in Bangor, ME is $51,998 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 6.1% below the Maine state average.
Chef Pay in Bangor: What to Expect (2026)
Bangor offers a median chef salary of $51,998, which is $3,392 below the Maine state average of $55,390. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Bangor pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Bangor's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for chefs in Bangor spans from $30,544 at the 10th percentile to $89,976 at the 90th percentile — a $59,432 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,200, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,960. Bangor is a smaller market (pop. 32,029), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Chef Salary in Bangor by Experience
In Bangor, an entry-level chef earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Bangor, ME
| Percentile | Bangor |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $30,544 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,824 |
| Median (50th) | $51,998 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $89,976 |
Chef Salary in Other Maine Cities
How to Become a Chef in Bangor
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Bangor 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 Bangor may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Bangor
Browse open chef positions in Bangor, ME: