Salary distribution
Where Maine chefs and head cooks fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $50,450 and $61,820, with a median of $55,860.
Chefs and Head Cooks pay by experience level in Maine
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Maine over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
High school diploma
Experience
5 years or more
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Food Production
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Production and Processing
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Administration and Management
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Coordination
Technical
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.
- 02
Check the quality of raw or cooked food products to ensure that standards are met.
- 03
Determine production schedules and staff requirements necessary to ensure timely delivery of services.
- 04
Check the quantity and quality of received products.
- 05
Supervise or coordinate activities of cooks or workers engaged in food preparation.
- 06
Analyze recipes to assign prices to menu items, based on food, labor, and overhead costs.
- 07
Determine how food should be presented and create decorative food displays.
- 08
Instruct cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, or presentation of food.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+7.1%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Maine?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in Maine is $55,860.
- How does Maine compare to the national median for Chefs and Head Cooks?
- The Maine median is -7.8% versus the BLS national figure of $60,610.
- What is the salary range for Chefs and Head Cooks in Maine?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $45,140 and the 90th-percentile at $76,800, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Chefs and Head Cooks a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 7.1% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Chefs and Head Cooks?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as High school diploma. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.