Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Oklahoma
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Oklahoma earn an average annual salary of $29,190. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130. Local economic factors and a potentially higher supply of qualified individuals compared to demand likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,760.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 11,660 individuals in this role, and a Location Quotient of 2.37, Oklahoma demonstrates a significant concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks. This high concentration suggests a robust and established job market for these professionals within the state, indicating consistent demand for their services.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Oklahoma earns-23.4%below the national average.
$14
$561
$2,433
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles in Oklahoma have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This gradual increase aims to keep compensation competitive within the local market and acknowledge the evolving skill requirements of the profession.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Oklahoma
Experience plays a crucial role in the earning potential for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and supervisory skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay clearly signify a career progression path, rewarding increased responsibility and proficiency.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,430 | $10.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,893 | $10.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,710 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,488 | $17.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,760 | $17.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,942
Adjusted for COL (86)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,190 in Oklahoma for this role should be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 86. With a cost of living that is 14% lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is enhanced, making it more viable for residents than the raw number might suggest.
Job Market Context
11,660
Total Jobs
6.892
Per 1K Jobs
2.37
Location Quotient
Oklahoma has 2.4x the national concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Oklahoma's Location Quotient of 2.37 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria indicates a job market that is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This suggests a high demand and a significant presence of these roles within the state's economy, making it a potentially favorable environment for job seekers in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, OK Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,150↑ 3% | 34 mi |
| Tulsa, OK Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,120↑ 3% | 69 mi |
| Enid, OK Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,470↓ 6% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Oklahoma
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Oklahoma?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Oklahoma is $29,190. This typically ranges from $21,430 for entry-level positions to $36,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Oklahoma is 23.4% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Oklahoma a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the nominal salary is below the national average, Oklahoma's lower cost of living helps to offset this difference, making the effective purchasing power more competitive.
Is Oklahoma a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
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 ($30,150) and Tulsa, OK.
How does Oklahoma's cost of living affect the cook's salary?
Oklahoma's Cost of Living Index of 86 means that everyday expenses are 14% cheaper than the national average. This makes the $29,190 salary stretch further than it would in a higher cost-of-living area.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.37 mean for cooks in Oklahoma?
A Location Quotient of 2.37 signifies that cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings are significantly more prevalent in Oklahoma's workforce compared to the national average. This indicates a strong local demand and a specialized job market.
How many jobs per 1,000 workers are there for cooks in Oklahoma?
There are approximately 6.892 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Oklahoma, highlighting the relative abundance of these positions within the state's employment landscape.
What is the total workforce size for this role in Oklahoma?
The total local workforce for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Oklahoma comprises 11,660 individuals, reflecting a substantial segment of the state's service industry employment.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,660 employees in the Oklahoma area with a job density of 6.892 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, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Oklahoma