Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Tulsa, OK
Cooks in Tulsa, Oklahoma, can expect an average annual salary of $33,690. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating that local market dynamics and the specific demand for culinary professionals in Tulsa influence compensation levels. Factors such as the cost of doing business and the overall economic landscape of the region play a significant role in shaping these wages.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,900.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks in Tulsa, OK, appears stable, with a total local workforce of approximately 4,600 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.08 suggests a concentration of these roles slightly above the national average, implying a steady demand for culinary talent within the city. This indicates a healthy, albeit not exceptionally booming, job environment for restaurant cooks.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Tulsa, OK earns-10.6%below the national average.
$16.2
$648
$2,808
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Tulsa's cook salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in line with national wage growth. Economic factors and inflation typically drive salary increases across most professions, including the culinary sector. Therefore, cooks in Tulsa have likely seen modest but consistent growth in their earning potential over the last four years.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Tulsa, OK
Salary progression for Cooks in Tulsa, OK, typically correlates with experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized culinary expertise can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight the substantial career growth and earning potential available to dedicated and skilled cooks.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,520 | $11.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,268 | $12.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,500 | $15.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,113 | $20.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,900 | $23 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary for a Cook in Tulsa, OK, stands at $33,690, which aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Tulsa is comparable to the national average, making the nominal salary quite competitive in terms of real-world affordability.
Job Market Context
4,600
Total Jobs
10.143
Per 1K Jobs
1.08
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.08, Tulsa, OK has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.08, Tulsa's market for Cooks is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a healthy presence of these roles, the market is not oversaturated, offering a balanced environment for job seekers. It indicates a stable demand that aligns closely with the national distribution of this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $30,770↓ 9% | 69 mi |
| Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,700↓ 12% | 69 mi |
| Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $27,700↓ 18% | 69 mi |
| Northwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,680↓ 15% | 69 mi |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,000↓ 2% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tulsa, OK
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Tulsa, OK?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Tulsa, OK is $33,690. This typically ranges from $23,520 for entry-level positions to $47,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tulsa, OK is 10.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Tulsa, OK a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $33,690 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par. This suggests that while the cost of living is manageable, the earning potential is not exceptionally high compared to other regions.
Is Tulsa, OK a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Tulsa, OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tulsa, OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area ($30,770) and Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.
How does experience affect a Cook's salary in Tulsa?
Experience is a key driver of salary for Cooks in Tulsa. Entry-level positions will offer lower pay, while cooks with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory roles can earn considerably more.
What is the job outlook for Cooks in Tulsa?
The job outlook appears stable, with a local workforce of 4,600 and a concentration slightly above the national average. This indicates consistent demand for culinary professionals in the city.
How does Tulsa's cost of living compare to the national average?
Tulsa's cost of living is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100. This means that the general expenses for daily living are comparable to the rest of the United States.
Are there many restaurant cook jobs in Tulsa relative to other cities?
Tulsa has a slightly higher concentration of restaurant cook jobs compared to the national average, as indicated by its Location Quotient of 1.08. This suggests a robust local demand for these roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,600 employees in the Tulsa, OK area with a job density of 10.143 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 Tulsa, OK