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Culinary Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Army

Culinary Specialist

Bangor, ME · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST (PART TIME) Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major restaurant, so that Soldiers can sit down and ...

U.S. Army

Culinary Specialist - Army

Bangor, ME · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

CULINARY SPECIALIST (PART TIME) Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major restaurant, so that Soldiers can sit down and ...

Avita of Brunswick

Culinary Aide - Part Time

Brunswick, ME · On-site

$15.10 - $20.25/hr

Where Talent Meets Heartfelt Hospitality Why Join Our Culinary Family: We care about our team and offer lots of benefits for your growth and happiness. * Competitive Compensation: Get paid well for ...

Metz Culinary Management

Dishwasher

Lewiston, ME · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have openings for Rock Star Culinary and Hospitality Team Members who shares our passion for Food and Service. We are seeking team members for full and ...

Metz Culinary Management

Cook

Bangor, ME · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have openings for Rock Star Cooks who shares our passion for Food and Service. We are seeking team members for full and part-time roles in a busy commercial ...

Metz Culinary Management

Cook

Lewiston, ME · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have openings for Rock Star Cooks who shares our passion for Food and Service. We are seeking team members for full and part-time roles in a busy commercial ...

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Culinary information

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How much do culinary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary in Maine is $18.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $18.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary professional?

A culinary professional is someone who works in the food service industry, typically preparing, cooking, and presenting food. This can include roles such as chefs, cooks, pastry chefs, and kitchen assistants. Culinary professionals work in various settings like restaurants, hotels, bakeries, and catering companies. They are skilled in food safety, recipe development, and often specialize in different cuisines or techniques. Training can include formal education at culinary schools or hands-on experience in kitchens.

Are jobs in the culinary industry in demand?

Anytime the economy is up, jobs in culinary industries are in higher demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts culinary jobs to grow by 10% by 2026, which is faster than the average career. There is a high rate of turnover in lower level culinary jobs like line and prep cooks, so those jobs almost always have a high demand, especially in areas where the restaurant and tourism industries are big. However, the same person usually holds head cook and chef jobs for quite some time, so they can be more difficult to attain.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a culinary career, and why are they important?

Thriving in a culinary career requires strong cooking techniques, knowledge of food safety, and often a culinary degree or certification such as ServSafe. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management systems, and inventory software is also valuable. Creativity, attention to detail, teamwork, and resilience under pressure set standout culinary professionals apart. These skills and qualities ensure consistent food quality, operational efficiency, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What are the most common challenges faced by culinary professionals in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Culinary professionals often encounter challenges such as managing time efficiently during busy service periods, maintaining high-quality standards under pressure, and coordinating effectively with team members. Adapting quickly to last-minute menu changes or special dietary requests is also common. Successful chefs and kitchen staff rely on strong communication skills and a collaborative attitude to overcome these hurdles and ensure smooth kitchen operations.

What is the difference between Culinary vs Chef?

AspectCulinaryChef
CredentialsOften no formal certification required; culinary training or courses commonFormal culinary education or apprenticeship typically required
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering, food service, culinary schoolsRestaurants, hotels, private kitchens, culinary competitions
Industry UsageBroad term for food preparation skills and knowledgeSpecific role as a professional responsible for kitchen operations
Search & Comparison IntentPeople exploring culinary skills or careers in food serviceIndividuals seeking chef roles or culinary leadership positions

While 'Culinary' refers broadly to the skills, knowledge, and industry related to food preparation, a 'Chef' is a specific professional role within that industry, often with formal training and leadership responsibilities. Understanding this difference helps job seekers and employers clarify roles and expectations in the food service industry.

What are the different careers in culinary?

Careers in culinary include roles such as executive chef, sous chef, pastry chef, line cook, kitchen manager, and food service manager. These positions require skills in food preparation, kitchen management, and often certification or training in culinary arts. Opportunities exist in restaurants, hotels, catering, and institutional food services.

What jobs can I get with culinary?

With a culinary background, you can pursue roles such as chef, sous chef, pastry chef, line cook, kitchen manager, or food service supervisor. These jobs typically require cooking skills, knowledge of food safety, and sometimes certifications like ServSafe, and they are often found in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutional food services.
More about Culinary jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Maine?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Maine are:

What are popular job titles related to Culinary jobs in Maine?

For Culinary jobs in Maine, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Culinary jobs in Maine look for?

The top searched job categories for Culinary jobs in Maine are:

What cities in Maine are hiring for Culinary jobs?

Cities in Maine with the most Culinary job openings:

Culinary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary job openings in Maine as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $38,166 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Culinary Supervisor

Old Orchard Beach, ME

Regional School Unit 23
See more jobs at Regional School Unit 23external

$50K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

RSU #23
Old Orchard Beach Schools
Chef & Culinary Supervisor 1.0 FTE

START: Immediately

RSU 23 Old Orchard Beach Schools is seeking a collaborative Chef & Culinary Supervisor with strong culinary skills to join our Food & Nutrition Services team .Located a half mile from the Atlantic Ocean and 15 minutes from Portland, our 700-student, three-school district is looking for a culinary leader who can bring creativity, nutrition expertise, and hands-on kitchen leadership to our school meal programs.

Position Overview: Working under the Food Services Director, you'll help shape nutritious, appealing menus for breakfast and lunch across the district, supervise daily food service operations, and mentor kitchen staff. This role blends culinary skill with program leadership, from recipe development and scratch cooking initiatives to student engagement, nutrition education, and compliance with federal school meal standards. You'll also help lead Farm-to-School efforts, wellness initiatives, and district-wide programs like composting or greenhouse operations.

Schedule & Commitment: This is a school-year position with additional hours during the summer to support seasonal planning and program needs.

What You'll Do:

  • Support the Food Services Director in developing and overseeing nutritious school breakfast and lunch menus
  • Supervise daily food service operations and provide leadership, coaching, and support to staff
  • Gather student feedback through focus groups and other methods to improve meal selections
  • Review and adjust recipes to reduce sodium, fat, and sugar in line with federal guidelines
  • Work with Kitchen Managers to ensure recipes are followed correctly
  • Help increase fruit and vegetable consumption through recipes, cooking techniques, and presentation
  • Partner with School Nutrition Program staff and principals to boost participation in school meal programs
  • Assist with Farm-to-School initiatives and local food procurement
  • Provide culinary training to school nutrition staff annually and as needed
  • Develop student-approved recipes that incorporate more scratch cooking
  • Develop promotions for events like National School Breakfast Week, School Lunch Week, and Nutrition Month
  • Provide nutrition education for students, food service staff, and support staff wellness
  • Stay current on the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act and lead training and implementation for compliance
  • Review and handle special catering requests
  • Help coordinate the School Wellness Team and support the School Wellness Policy
  • Work with the Food Services Director on district-wide initiatives such as composting or greenhouse operations
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Food & Nutrition Services

What We Value:

  • Culinary expertise paired with a passion for student nutrition
  • Strong leadership and coaching skills
  • Creativity in menu development and scratch cooking
  • Collaborative, solution-oriented approach
  • Commitment to health, wellness, and food quality in schools

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Current and valid CHRC (criminal history record check), more information can be found here: https://www.maine.gov/doe/cert/fingerprinting
  • 2 or 4-year college degree (preferred)
  • ServSafe Manager certification within 6 months of hire

SALARY RANGE: $50,000 - $55,000

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
RSU 23 is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Apply Online
Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview
Contact Cynthia Potenza, HR Manager, if you have any questions regarding the online application process at 207-934-5751 x1925
Hiring Manager: Leah Botko, lbotko@rsu23.org, 207-934-5751 x1239





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