Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
In Oklahoma City, OK, Chefs and Head Cooks can expect an average annual salary of $52,850. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,680, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation levels within the culinary industry in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,220.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 490 individuals in this profession, Oklahoma City presents a moderate employment landscape for Chefs and Head Cooks. The Location Quotient of 0.62 indicates that this role is less concentrated in Oklahoma City compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially less saturated market but also potentially lower overall demand relative to other occupations.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Oklahoma City, OK earns-18.3%below the national average.
$25.4
$1,016
$4,404
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Oklahoma City's culinary sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and evolving consumer tastes often drive increased demand for skilled culinary professionals, which typically translates to upward pressure on wages, even in markets that may lag behind national averages.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Oklahoma City, OK
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Oklahoma City, like elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and specialized culinary expertise can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly delineate these career progression pathways, rewarding expertise and leadership within the kitchen.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,970 | $8.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $39,638 | $19.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $57,390 | $27.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $66,063 | $31.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $80,220 | $38.6 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$52,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $52,850 in Oklahoma City aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, making the effective financial standing of a Chef in Oklahoma City relatively stable when compared to their national counterparts.
Job Market Context
490
Total Jobs
0.735
Per 1K Jobs
0.62
Location Quotient
Oklahoma City, OK has 0.62x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.62 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Oklahoma City signifies that this profession is less prevalent locally than it is nationwide. This suggests that while there may not be an overwhelming abundance of these roles, the market is not as intensely competitive as in areas with a higher concentration, potentially offering unique opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $56,420↑ 7% | 34 mi |
| Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $41,930↓ 21% | 34 mi |
| Northwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $48,100↓ 9% | 34 mi |
Comparing salaries near Oklahoma City, OK
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Oklahoma City, OK?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Oklahoma City, OK is $52,850. This typically ranges from $16,970 for entry-level positions to $80,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Oklahoma City, OK is 18.3% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Oklahoma City, OK a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $52,850 is significantly lower than the national average of $64,680. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has comparable purchasing power locally.
Is Oklahoma City, OK a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
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 ($56,420) and Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of local workers affect job prospects?
With 490 local workers, the market size is moderate. A lower Location Quotient suggests less competition but potentially fewer overall openings compared to national hubs.
What is the significance of the Jobs per 1,000 Workers metric?
The 0.735 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates the relative prevalence of Chef and Head Cook roles within Oklahoma City's overall employment landscape, suggesting a niche but consistent demand.
How does experience impact a Chef's salary in Oklahoma City?
Experience is a primary driver of salary. Entry-level positions will earn less, while senior chefs with proven track records and leadership skills can command higher compensation, reflecting their value.
Is the Oklahoma City culinary job market growing?
While specific data isn't provided, general economic trends and evolving food culture often lead to stable or growing demand for skilled culinary professionals, suggesting potential for modest growth.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the Oklahoma City, OK area with a job density of 0.735 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Chefs and Head Cooks 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 Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Oklahoma City, OK