Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Oklahoma
Cooks in Oklahoma's fast-food sector earn an average annual salary of $26,910, which is notably below the national average of $31,130. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, including the overall demand for labor and the prevailing wage scales within the state's specific industries.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,640.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 9,760 individuals and a Location Quotient of 1.33, Oklahoma demonstrates a significant concentration of fast-food cooks relative to the national average. This indicates a robust and established job market for this role within the state, suggesting consistent demand and employment opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Oklahoma earns-13.6%below the national average.
$12.9
$518
$2,243
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past four years, the landscape for fast-food cooks in Oklahoma has likely seen incremental salary adjustments, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that wages have gradually increased to keep pace with the rising cost of living and to remain competitive in attracting and retaining talent within the food service industry.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Oklahoma
Salary progression for fast-food cooks in Oklahoma typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned cooks with supervisory responsibilities or specialized culinary skills can command higher salaries. The percentile distribution of earnings reflects this career trajectory, with significant gaps between the lowest and highest earners indicating opportunities for advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,640 | $9.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,183 | $9.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,500 | $13.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,638 | $16.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,640 | $16.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,291
Adjusted for COL (86)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,910 in Oklahoma for fast-food cooks must be viewed through the lens of its Cost of Living Index of 86. This index signifies that the cost of goods and services is approximately 14% lower than the national average. Consequently, the purchasing power of an Oklahoma fast-food cook's salary is relatively stronger locally than the national average salary might suggest, offering a potentially better quality of life despite the lower nominal wage.
Job Market Context
9,760
Total Jobs
5.766
Per 1K Jobs
1.33
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.33, Oklahoma has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.
Oklahoma's Location Quotient of 1.33 for fast-food cooks indicates a job market that is 33% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher prevalence and potentially greater demand for these roles within the state compared to other occupations. While this concentration points to a healthy job market, it also implies a competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, OK Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,160↑ 1% | 34 mi |
| Tulsa, OK Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,420↑ 6% | 69 mi |
| Enid, OK Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,080↓ 7% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Oklahoma
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Oklahoma?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Oklahoma is $26,910. This typically ranges from $20,640 for entry-level positions to $33,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Oklahoma is 13.6% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Oklahoma a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, Oklahoma is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods compared to the national average.The average annual salary is significantly lower than the national average, although the lower cost of living does offer some compensation.
Is Oklahoma a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
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 ($27,160) and Tulsa, OK.
How does Oklahoma's fast-food cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for fast-food cooks in Oklahoma is $26,910, which is $4,220 less than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of fast-food cooks in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma has a higher concentration of fast-food cooks than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.33, indicating 33% more cooks per worker than the national rate.
How does the cost of living in Oklahoma affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 86, Oklahoma is 14% cheaper to live in than the national average, which helps to offset the lower nominal salary for fast-food cooks.
What is the total number of fast-food cooks in Oklahoma?
There are approximately 9,760 fast-food cooks employed in Oklahoma, representing a significant portion of the state's workforce in this sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,760 employees in the Oklahoma area with a job density of 5.766 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Oklahoma