Maine ranks 11th of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $3,220 — a 9% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $30,270 to $44,520 — a $14,250 spread, 31% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Food Preparation Workers are more concentrated in Maine than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.51 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.51× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $30,270 | $14.56 |
| 25th percentile | $31,580 | $15.19 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $35,730 | $17.18 |
| 75th percentile | $38,460 | $18.49 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,520 | $21.41 |
| Mean (average) | $36,320 | $17.46 |
How Maine Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Maine |
|---|---|---|
| Maine (current) | $35,730 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +9% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +8% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +8% |
| California | $38,150 | +7% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +6% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +4% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +4% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +3% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Maine
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Cooks, Fast Food | $35,780 | 1,970 |
| Recreation Workers | $35,920 | 1,280 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $35,270 | 660 |
| Animal Caretakers | $36,310 | 1,390 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $35,100 | 1,460 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $36,430 | 1,010 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Maine?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Maine is $36,320 per year. The median (middle) salary is $35,730 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Maine?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Maine typically earn around $30,270 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $31,580 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Maine?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Maine make approximately $44,520 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $38,460 per year.
How does the Maine Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Maine is $35,730, which is +4% above national average of $34,220.