Food Preparation Workers pay in Portland-South Portland
In Portland-South Portland (ME), the median pay for food preparation workers is $17.91 an hour ($37,260 a year). About 1,900 people work in this job there.
That is 5% higher than the U.S. median ($35,320). It is 3% higher than the Maine median ($36,030).
Pay range for food preparation workers in Portland-South Portland (ME)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $15.89 | $33,040 |
| 25% of workers | $17.20 | $35,770 |
| Half of workers (median) | $17.91 | $37,260 |
| 75% of workers | $19.88 | $41,340 |
| 90% of workers | $22.77 | $47,360 |
Food Preparation Workers pay in Maine metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-South Portland (this page) | $37,260 | 1,900 |
| Lewiston-Auburn | $35,630 | 340 |
| Bangor | $34,970 | 450 |
Maine unemployment rate: 3.2% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for food preparation workers
- Typical education to start: No formal educational credential (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 3 to 6 months (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: -3% over ten years, declining · about 135,700 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Portland-South Portland (ME)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $35,300 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $46,560 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.