Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Tulsa, OK
In Tulsa, OK, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $25,730. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Tulsa metropolitan area. The cost of living in Tulsa aligns precisely with the national average, making this salary comparison particularly relevant for potential and current workers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,760.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,360 Food Preparation Workers and a Location Quotient of 0.9, Tulsa's job market for this role is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a stable, though not exceptionally high, demand for these positions within the city. The presence of 5.208 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for food preparation services, reflecting the city's ongoing economic activity.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Tulsa, OK earns-23.9%below the national average.
$12.4
$495
$2,144
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Tulsa's Food Preparation Workers is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and inflation typically drive modest increases in wages for service industry roles. Therefore, current salary expectations may be slightly higher than those from several years ago, reflecting these broader economic shifts.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Tulsa, OK
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Tulsa typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more senior positions, which naturally commands higher compensation. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range suggests that experienced workers, particularly those with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities, can earn significantly more than the $25,730 average. This salary gap between junior and senior roles is a key indicator of career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,120 | $9.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,298 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $21,450 | $10.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,163 | $15.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,760 | $17.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,730
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Tulsa, OK, stands at $25,730. This nominal income is directly contrasted with a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of that income in Tulsa is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is somewhat offset by the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
2,360
Total Jobs
5.208
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Tulsa, OK has 0.90x 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.
Tulsa's Location Quotient of 0.9 for Food Preparation Workers indicates that the concentration of these jobs in the city is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a disproportionately dominant sector within Tulsa's labor market compared to other industries. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $24,550↓ 5% | 69 mi |
| Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,040↓ 10% | 69 mi |
| Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,160↓ 10% | 69 mi |
| Northwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,550↓ 8% | 69 mi |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,090↑ 25% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tulsa, OK
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Tulsa, OK?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Tulsa, OK is $25,730. This typically ranges from $19,120 for entry-level positions to $36,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tulsa, OK is 23.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Tulsa, OK a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $25,730 is significantly lower than the national average of $33,810. However, the cost of living in Tulsa matches the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Tulsa, OK a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
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 ($24,550) and Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.
How does Tulsa's Food Preparation Worker salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Tulsa, OK is $25,730, which is considerably lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Tulsa, OK relative to the national average?
Tulsa, OK has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the same as the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services in Tulsa is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated are Food Preparation Worker jobs in Tulsa?
The Location Quotient for Food Preparation Workers in Tulsa is 0.9, indicating that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Tulsa, OK?
There are approximately 2,360 Food Preparation Workers employed in Tulsa, OK, representing 5.208 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local labor force.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,360 employees in the Tulsa, OK area with a job density of 5.208 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 Tulsa, OK