Chef Salary in Portland, Maine
The median chef salary in Portland, ME is $61,042 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 10.2% above the Maine state average.
Chef Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)
Portland offers a median chef salary of $61,042, which is $5,652 above the Maine state average of $55,390. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Portland pays above average for this role.
Portland's cost of living is 108% 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 Portland spans from $35,856 at the 10th percentile to $105,624 at the 90th percentile — a $69,768 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,800, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $95,040. Portland is a smaller market (pop. 68,408), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Chef Salary in Portland by Experience
In Portland, an entry-level chef earns around $37,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Portland, ME
| Percentile | Portland |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $35,856 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,576 |
| Median (50th) | $61,042 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $105,624 |
Chef Salary in Other Maine Cities
How to Become a Chef in Portland
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Portland 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 Portland may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Portland
Browse open chef positions in Portland, ME: