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.