Creative & Education Portland, ME
Pop. 68,408
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.
City Median
$61,042
vs State Avg
+$5,652
vs National
+$4,522
Cost of Living
108%
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.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,800
+$2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,480
+$4,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,040
+$7,040 vs national
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
Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity
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:
Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Portland
How much does a Chef make in Portland, ME? ▼
The median chef salary in Portland, Maine is $61,042 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $35,856 (10th percentile) to $105,624 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,042, a chef in Portland earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Maine state average for chef pay? ▼
Portland's median chef salary of $61,042 is 10.2% above the Maine state average of $55,390. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, ME? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $61,042 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Portland? ▼
Most chef positions in Portland require a high school diploma. Key skills include Culinary Arts, Menu Planning, Food Safety, Kitchen Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.