Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $27,700. This figure falls notably below the national average of $37,700, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within this nonmetropolitan setting. The lower average salary is often a consequence of localized market conditions and the cost structure prevalent in less urbanized areas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,040.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks in Southwest Oklahoma, with a total local workforce of 560 individuals, indicates a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand. The Location Quotient of 0.94 suggests that the concentration of these roles is very close to the national average, implying a consistent need for culinary professionals without an oversupply or significant undersupply.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area earns-26.5%below the national average.
$13.3
$533
$2,308
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This incremental increase would likely aim to keep pace with rising operational costs for restaurants and attract a steady pool of talent, even if the pace of growth is more modest compared to major metropolitan hubs.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks in Southwest Oklahoma typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which naturally commands higher compensation. The salary percentile gaps, though not explicitly detailed here, would signify this advancement, with experienced chefs and head cooks earning considerably more than those just starting out. This scaling effect is a standard feature of the culinary profession, rewarding skill, responsibility, and experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,810 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,775 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,490 | $13.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,625 | $16.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,040 | $17.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $27,700 in Southwest Oklahoma is directly comparable to the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is on par with the rest of the country. Therefore, the lower nominal wage does not necessarily translate to a reduced standard of living within the region.
Job Market Context
560
Total Jobs
8.899
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area has 0.94x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.94, the job market for Cooks in Southwest Oklahoma is neither significantly concentrated nor scarce relative to national employment patterns. This suggests a balanced market where opportunities exist, but the intense competition or specialized demand seen in areas with higher LQs is absent. It indicates a steady, predictable employment landscape for culinary professionals in this region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, OK Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,650↑ 29% | 34 mi |
| Tulsa, OK Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,690↑ 22% | 69 mi |
| Enid, OK Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,580↑ 10% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area is $27,700. This typically ranges from $17,810 for entry-level positions to $36,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area is 26.5% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $27,700 is significantly lower than the national average of $37,700. While the cost of living is average, the nominal earnings present a notable disparity.
Is Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Oklahoma City, OK ($35,650) and Tulsa, OK.
How does the number of Cooks in Southwest Oklahoma compare to the national average?
With 8.899 jobs per 1,000 workers, the concentration of Cooks in Southwest Oklahoma is very close to the national average, indicating a similar prevalence of the role within the local workforce.
What is the total number of Cooks employed in Southwest Oklahoma?
There are approximately 560 Cooks employed in the Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area, representing the local workforce dedicated to this profession.
Does experience impact a Cook's salary in this region?
Yes, like most professions, experience significantly influences a Cook's salary, with senior roles commanding higher pay than entry-level positions.
How does the cost of living in Southwest Oklahoma affect the salary?
The cost of living in Southwest Oklahoma is at the national average (100), meaning the $27,700 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal figure.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 560 employees in the Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.899 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 Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area