Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
In Oklahoma City, OK, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $29,400. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Oklahoma City market for these roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 39.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,980.
- Outlook: The food preparation sector in Oklahoma City supports a local workforce of 2,340 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.61, the concentration of these jobs is below the national average, suggesting a moderate but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the area. The presence of nearly 3.5 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not booming, employment landscape for food preparation professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Oklahoma City, OK earns-13.0%below the national average.
$14.1
$565
$2,450
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for food preparation workers in Oklahoma City is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries in this sector have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery and shifts in consumer spending patterns likely contributed to incremental increases, though localized market dynamics may have tempered the pace of wage appreciation compared to other regions.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Oklahoma City, OK
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Oklahoma City typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. While specific salary percentiles are not detailed, the typical salary range can expand significantly with experience, with senior workers potentially earning 20-30% more than their entry-level counterparts. These percentile gaps are a clear indicator of the career ladder available within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,850 | $10 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,050 | $10.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,600 | $14.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,750 | $17.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,980 | $17.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $29,400 in Oklahoma City aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively equivalent to the national average, as the cost of essential goods and services does not exceed the national benchmark.
Job Market Context
2,340
Total Jobs
3.498
Per 1K Jobs
0.61
Location Quotient
Oklahoma City, OK has 0.61x the national average concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
Oklahoma City's Location Quotient of 0.61 for Food Preparation Workers suggests that the occupation is less concentrated here than the national average. This implies that while there are available positions, the market is not saturated, and the demand for these workers is relatively standard compared to the broader U.S. job market. Employers may find a steady pool of candidates, but significant competition for highly skilled individuals could still exist.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $24,550↓ 16% | 34 mi |
| Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,040↓ 22% | 34 mi |
| Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,160↓ 21% | 34 mi |
| Northwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,550↓ 20% | 34 mi |
| Enid, OK Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,500↓ 10% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Oklahoma City, OK
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Oklahoma City, OK?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Oklahoma City, OK is $29,400. This typically ranges from $20,850 for entry-level positions to $35,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Oklahoma City, OK is 13.0% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Oklahoma City, OK a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,400 is below the national average of $33,810, although the cost of living is on par with the national average, mitigating some of the disparity in purchasing power.
Is Oklahoma City, OK a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
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 ($24,550) and Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Oklahoma City salary compare to the national average for Food Preparation Workers?
Food Preparation Workers in Oklahoma City earn an average of $29,400 annually, which is approximately $4,410 less than the national average salary of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Oklahoma City, OK?
Oklahoma City's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is neither higher nor lower than the U.S. average.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Oklahoma City?
There are approximately 2,340 Food Preparation Workers employed in Oklahoma City, OK.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation Workers in Oklahoma City?
With a Location Quotient of 0.61, the concentration of Food Preparation Workers is below the national average, indicating a moderate level of demand relative to other occupations in the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,340 employees in the Oklahoma City, OK area with a job density of 3.498 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Oklahoma City, OK