Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Oklahoma City, OK, earn an average annual salary of $30,150. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this sector. The specific economic conditions and employer needs in Oklahoma City contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,620.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Oklahoma City appears robust, with a total local workforce of 3,330 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.71 indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a higher demand or a more established presence of these positions within the city's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Oklahoma City, OK earns-20.9%below the national average.
$14.5
$580
$2,513
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Oklahoma City have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, even if modest, would reflect an evolving labor market and potentially increasing demand for skilled culinary professionals in institutional settings.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Oklahoma City, OK
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility within the role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,770 | $11.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,613 | $10.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,330 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,688 | $18.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,620 | $17.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,150 in Oklahoma City aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of the salary.
Job Market Context
3,330
Total Jobs
4.978
Per 1K Jobs
1.71
Location Quotient
Oklahoma City, OK has 1.7x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.71, Oklahoma City demonstrates a higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs than the national average. This suggests a relatively abundant market for these roles, potentially indicating strong demand from local institutions and cafeterias, or a larger pool of available talent compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $28,540↓ 5% | 34 mi |
| Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,740↓ 8% | 34 mi |
| Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,040↓ 10% | 34 mi |
| Northwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,370↓ 9% | 34 mi |
| Enid, OK Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,470↓ 9% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Oklahoma City, OK
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Oklahoma City, OK?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Oklahoma City, OK is $30,150. This typically ranges from $23,770 for entry-level positions to $36,620 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Oklahoma City, OK is 20.9% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Oklahoma City, OK a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,150 is significantly below the national average of $38,130, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Oklahoma City, OK a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
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 ($28,540) and Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.
How does Oklahoma City's cook salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in Oklahoma City earn an average of $30,150 annually, which is approximately $8,000 less than the national average salary of $38,130 for the same role.
What is the concentration of cook jobs in Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma City has a higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.71, meaning there are about 71% more such jobs relative to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Oklahoma City?
The cost of living in Oklahoma City is at the national average (100), meaning the lower salary of $30,150 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
What does the job market size suggest for cooks in Oklahoma City?
With 3,330 cooks employed locally and a jobs-per-1,000-workers rate of 4.978, the market is substantial, suggesting consistent employment opportunities within the city.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,330 employees in the Oklahoma City, OK area with a job density of 4.978 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Oklahoma City, OK