Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Oklahoma
Chefs and Head Cooks in Oklahoma earn an average annual salary of $51,420, which is notably below the national average of $64,680. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the overall demand for culinary professionals within the state, and the prevailing wage scales that are characteristic of Oklahoma's job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,090.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,210 Chefs and Head Cooks, Oklahoma presents a modest but stable employment landscape for these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.61 suggests that while the profession is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, indicating a potentially less saturated market but also perhaps a more measured demand compared to other states.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Oklahoma earns-20.5%below the national average.
$24.7
$989
$4,285
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Oklahoma's Chefs and Head Cooks is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within this sector have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth driven by inflation, increased operational costs for businesses, and evolving consumer expectations for dining experiences.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Oklahoma
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Oklahoma, as elsewhere, is significantly tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience, specialized culinary expertise, and proven leadership abilities can expect to earn substantially more, with higher percentiles reflecting greater responsibility and demand for their advanced proficiencies.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,120 | $8.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $38,565 | $18.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $53,310 | $25.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $64,275 | $30.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $78,090 | $37.5 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,791
Adjusted for COL (86)
The average annual salary of $51,420 in Oklahoma for Chefs and Head Cooks is considerably enhanced by the state's Cost of Living Index of 86. This means that the nominal income earned stretches further, offering a higher effective purchasing power compared to areas with a cost of living at or above the national average, making the salary more attractive despite being lower than the national average.
Job Market Context
1,210
Total Jobs
0.717
Per 1K Jobs
0.61
Location Quotient
Oklahoma has 0.61x the national average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.61 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Oklahoma indicates that this profession is less prevalent in the state's workforce compared to the national average. This suggests that while there are opportunities, the market may not be as robust or competitive as in regions with a higher concentration, potentially offering a unique balance of available roles and less intense competition for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, OK Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $52,850↑ 3% | 34 mi |
| Tulsa, OK Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $50,490↓ 2% | 69 mi |
Comparing salaries near Oklahoma
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Oklahoma?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Oklahoma is $51,420. This typically ranges from $17,120 for entry-level positions to $78,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Oklahoma is 20.5% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Oklahoma a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
No, but it offers good value.While the average salary of $51,420 is below the national average, Oklahoma's lower cost of living means your earnings can provide a comfortable lifestyle.
Is Oklahoma a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
With a Cost of Living Index of 86 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Oklahoma?
Some top paying nearby cities include Oklahoma City, OK ($52,850) and Tulsa, OK.
How does Oklahoma's cost of living affect Chef salaries?
Oklahoma's cost of living index of 86 means that $51,420 provides greater purchasing power than the same amount would in a higher cost-of-living state, effectively making the salary more valuable locally.
What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Oklahoma?
The Location Quotient of 0.61 indicates that Chefs and Head Cooks are less concentrated in Oklahoma's workforce compared to the national average, suggesting a less saturated job market.
How many Chefs and Head Cooks are there in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma employs approximately 1,210 Chefs and Head Cooks, representing about 0.717 jobs per 1,000 workers in the state's overall labor force.
Can an experienced Chef earn more than the average in Oklahoma?
Absolutely. While the average is $51,420, senior roles and highly skilled chefs with extensive experience can command salaries significantly higher than this average, reflecting their expertise and value.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,210 employees in the Oklahoma area with a job density of 0.717 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Oklahoma