Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Lawton, OK
Cooks in Lawton, Oklahoma, can expect an average annual salary of $29,880. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Lawton's culinary scene likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,190.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 460 individuals in this role, Lawton presents a moderately sized market for restaurant cooks. The location quotient of 1.15 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not booming, demand within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Lawton, OK earns-20.7%below the national average.
$14.4
$575
$2,490
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lawton's restaurant cooks is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining services, and evolving wage expectations likely contribute to gradual salary growth within the profession.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Lawton, OK
Salary progression for Cooks in Lawton, OK, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, with senior cooks occupying the higher salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,700 | $10.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,410 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,360 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,350 | $18 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,190 | $19.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,880
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,880 in Lawton, OK, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living (index of 100). This means that while the salary may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
460
Total Jobs
10.818
Per 1K Jobs
1.15
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.15, Lawton, OK has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A location quotient of 1.15 indicates that Lawton, OK, has a slightly higher concentration of restaurant cook positions relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a modest but present demand for these professionals, making the job market neither overly saturated nor exceptionally competitive for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita Falls, TX Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,770↓ 0% | 49 mi |
| Oklahoma City, OK Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,650↑ 19% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lawton, OK
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Lawton, OK?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Lawton, OK is $29,880. This typically ranges from $21,700 for entry-level positions to $41,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lawton, OK is 20.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Lawton, OK a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, Lawton, OK is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $29,880 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Lawton, OK a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Lawton, OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lawton, OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wichita Falls, TX ($29,770) and Oklahoma City, OK.
How does Lawton's cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Lawton, OK is $29,880, which is approximately $7,820 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the concentration of restaurant cooks in Lawton, OK?
Lawton, OK has a location quotient of 1.15 for restaurant cooks, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Lawton, OK affect the salary?
With a cost of living index of 100, Lawton's cost of living is average. This means the $29,880 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary figure.
What is the total number of restaurant cooks in Lawton, OK?
There are approximately 460 individuals employed as Cooks in Lawton, OK.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 460 employees in the Lawton, OK area with a job density of 10.818 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, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lawton, OK