Average Bartenders Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
Bartenders in Oklahoma City, OK, earn an average annual salary of $26,900. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $39,890, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand for hospitality services within the state capital. The local market dynamics significantly influence compensation levels for these vital service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,900.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,650 bartenders and a Location Quotient of 0.82, Oklahoma City presents a slightly below-average concentration of these professionals compared to the national landscape. While not a hotspot for bartender employment, the steady presence of 3.956 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand within the city's hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Bartenders in Oklahoma City, OK earns-32.6%below the national average.
$12.9
$517
$2,242
Bartenders Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Oklahoma City bartenders isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in wages over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for skilled service staff, and evolving labor market conditions likely contributed to modest salary growth for bartenders in the region.
Bartenders Salary Distribution in Oklahoma City, OK
The salary trajectory for bartenders in Oklahoma City typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of mixology, customer service, and establishment operations can command significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,340 | $7.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,175 | $9.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $21,780 | $10.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,625 | $16.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,900 | $23 |
Detailed Bartenders Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,900 for bartenders in Oklahoma City aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the gross income may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income locally is comparable to the national standard, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
2,650
Total Jobs
3.956
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Oklahoma City, OK has 0.82x the national average concentration of Bartenders jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.82 indicates that Oklahoma City has a slightly lower concentration of bartenders relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, it is not disproportionately dominant within the local job market, implying a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bartenders
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Bartenders Salary | $28,670↑ 7% | 34 mi |
| Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Bartenders Salary | $24,460↓ 9% | 34 mi |
| Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Bartenders Salary | $23,510↓ 13% | 34 mi |
| Northwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Bartenders Salary | $27,490↑ 2% | 34 mi |
| Enid, OK Bartenders Salary | $27,410↑ 2% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Oklahoma City, OK
Hiring Bartenderss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bartenders make in Oklahoma City, OK?
The median annual salary for a Bartenders in Oklahoma City, OK is $26,900. This typically ranges from $16,340 for entry-level positions to $47,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Oklahoma City, OK is 32.6% lower than the national median of $39,890.
Is Oklahoma City, OK a lucrative place for Bartenderss?
No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative place for bartenders based on average earnings.The average annual salary of $26,900 is significantly below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Oklahoma City, OK a good place to live for Bartenders?
The Cost of Living Index in Oklahoma City, OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Oklahoma City, OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area ($28,670) and Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.
How does Oklahoma City's bartender salary compare to the national average?
Bartenders in Oklahoma City earn an average of $26,900 annually, which is substantially less than the national average of $39,890.
What is the concentration of bartenders in Oklahoma City compared to the rest of the US?
Oklahoma City has a Location Quotient of 0.82 for bartenders, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these professionals than the national average.
Does experience impact a bartender's salary in Oklahoma City?
Yes, like most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Senior bartenders with specialized skills and a proven track record typically earn more than entry-level staff.
How does the cost of living affect the perceived value of a bartender's salary in Oklahoma City?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local purchasing power of a bartender's salary in Oklahoma City is equivalent to the national average, making the lower nominal wage more manageable.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,650 employees in the Oklahoma City, OK area with a job density of 3.956 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Bartenders Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Oklahoma City, OK
- All Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Management Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
- Browse All Jobs in Oklahoma City, OK →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Bartenders • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Oklahoma City, OK