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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Culinary Chef in Maine is $55,776 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Culinary Chef's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Culinary Chef Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $61,728 | $5,144 | $1,187 | $30 |
| Average | $55,776 | $4,648 | $1,073 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,397 | $4,200 | $969 | $24 |
Cozymeal, Inc. - Kingfield, ME
Cozymeal, Inc. - Newry, ME
Kettering Health - WEST CARROLLTON, OH
Calhoun County Medical Care Facility - BATTLE CREEK, MI
A Culinary Chef's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Culinary Cheves. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Culinary Chef roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Culinary Chef positions in Telecom or Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Culinary Chef as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $75,298 | $36.0 | 35% |
| Energy & Utilities | $72,509 | $35.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $69,720 | $34.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $66,931 | $32.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $66,931 | $32.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Culinary Chef's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $61,728 | $5,144 | $1,187 | $30 |
| Average | $55,776 | $4,648 | $1,073 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,397 | $4,200 | $969 | $24 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Culinary Chef job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Market District
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Aramark
LAFAYETTE SPRINGS, MS
Aramark
NAPLES, TX
Aramark | NAPLES, TX
As a Culinary Specialist at ARAMARK’s Avir at Paluxy location, you’ll prepare and present high‑quality meals in a fast-paced food service environment. Resp... more
6 Days Ago
The Inn on Westport
ELLIS, SD
The Inn on Westport | ELLIS, SD
The Director of Culinary leads all dining services for assisted living residents at The Inn on Westport in Sioux Falls, SD. This role oversees menu plannin... more
12 Days Ago
Aramark
BUTLER, PA
Aramark | BUTLER, PA
As an Assistant Culinary Manager with ARAMARK in Food & Beverage Operations, you’ll support daily kitchen leadership for high-volume service. You will help... more
9 Days Ago
Aramark
ALTUS, OK
Aramark | ALTUS, OK
ARAMARK is seeking an Executive Chef for Florida State University to lead culinary operations, menu innovation, and kitchen teams in a high-volume campus d... more
7 Days Ago
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