Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
Cooks in Oklahoma City, OK, earn an average annual salary of $35,650. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, a common trend in areas with a lower cost of living. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Oklahoma City's culinary scene significantly influence this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,520.
- Outlook: Oklahoma City boasts a substantial workforce of 8,320 Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a robust local demand for these professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.32, the concentration of these jobs is notably higher than the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing job market for culinary talent in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Oklahoma City, OK earns-5.4%below the national average.
$17.1
$686
$2,971
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Oklahoma City have seen a gradual increase over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, rising food costs, and an evolving demand for diverse culinary experiences within the city.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Oklahoma City, OK
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Oklahoma City typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between these percentiles signifies clear career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,280 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $26,738 | $12.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,390 | $16.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $44,563 | $21.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $58,520 | $28.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,650 in Oklahoma City aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Oklahoma City is equivalent to the national average, making the nominal salary hold its value effectively within the local economy.
Job Market Context
8,320
Total Jobs
12.422
Per 1K Jobs
1.32
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.32, Oklahoma City, OK has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
Oklahoma City's Location Quotient of 1.32 signifies a higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is relatively abundant with opportunities for these professionals, potentially leading to a competitive environment for employers seeking talent, but favorable for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,770↓ 14% | 34 mi |
| Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,700↓ 17% | 34 mi |
| Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,700↓ 22% | 34 mi |
| Northwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,680↓ 20% | 34 mi |
| Enid, OK Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,580↓ 14% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Oklahoma City, OK
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Oklahoma City, OK?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Oklahoma City, OK is $35,650. This typically ranges from $23,280 for entry-level positions to $58,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Oklahoma City, OK is 5.4% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Oklahoma City, OK a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, it offers good value relative to cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, Oklahoma City's Cost of Living Index of 100 means your earnings have equivalent purchasing power. The high concentration of jobs also indicates strong local demand.
Is Oklahoma City, OK a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
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 ($30,770) and Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 12.422 jobs per 1,000 workers, Oklahoma City has a higher density of restaurant cook positions than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of this occupation.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Cooks in Oklahoma City?
An LQ of 1.32 means that Oklahoma City has 32% more restaurant cook jobs per capita than the national average, highlighting a specialized demand in the local market.
How does the salary compare to other major cities?
While $35,650 is the average for Oklahoma City, salaries in major metropolitan areas with higher costs of living can often be significantly higher, though the purchasing power might be similar.
What factors influence salary for Cooks in Oklahoma City?
Factors such as the type of establishment (fine dining vs. casual), years of experience, specific culinary skills, and the employer's budget all play a role in determining an individual cook's salary.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,320 employees in the Oklahoma City, OK area with a job density of 12.422 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 Oklahoma City, OK