Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Tulsa, OK
In Tulsa, OK, Chefs and Head Cooks earn an average annual salary of $50,490. 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: $50,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,790.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 380 Chefs and Head Cooks, Tulsa presents a modest employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.71 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the market is not saturated, offering a stable environment for skilled culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Tulsa, OK earns-21.9%below the national average.
$24.3
$971
$4,208
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Tulsa's culinary sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic recovery and evolving consumer preferences for dining experiences likely contribute to a steady, albeit potentially modest, increase in compensation for experienced Chefs and Head Cooks.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Tulsa, OK
The career trajectory for Chefs and Head Cooks in Tulsa, OK, typically involves significant salary progression with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and management skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting increased responsibility and value to establishments.
| 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) | $37,868 | $18.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $52,660 | $25.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $63,113 | $30.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $74,790 | $36 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$50,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$50,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $50,490 in Tulsa aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by Chefs and Head Cooks in Tulsa holds its purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where salaries effectively meet local expenses.
Job Market Context
380
Total Jobs
0.835
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Tulsa, OK has 0.71x 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 0.71 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Tulsa signifies that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a potentially less competitive market, where skilled individuals may find a good balance between available positions and the number of professionals vying for them, offering a stable career outlook.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $56,420↑ 12% | 69 mi |
| Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $41,930↓ 17% | 69 mi |
| Northwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $48,100↓ 5% | 69 mi |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $65,040↑ 29% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tulsa, OK
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Tulsa, OK?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Tulsa, OK is $50,490. This typically ranges from $17,120 for entry-level positions to $74,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tulsa, OK is 21.9% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Tulsa, OK a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $50,490 is stable relative to the cost of living, it falls significantly short of the national average salary for Chefs and Head Cooks.
Is Tulsa, OK a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Tulsa, OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tulsa, OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area ($56,420) and Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Tulsa salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Tulsa, OK, is $50,490, which is approximately 22% lower than the national average of $64,680.
What is the job concentration for Chefs and Head Cooks in Tulsa?
The Location Quotient for Chefs and Head Cooks in Tulsa is 0.71, indicating that the profession is slightly less concentrated in Tulsa compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Tulsa?
Tulsa's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $50,490 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it relatively stable despite being lower than the national salary.
What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks in Tulsa?
There are approximately 380 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Tulsa, OK, representing 0.835 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Tulsa, OK area with a job density of 0.835 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 Tulsa, OK