Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
Waiters and waitresses in Oklahoma City, OK, earn an average annual salary of $30,020. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360. Local economic factors, including the cost of labor and the specific demand within the hospitality sector, contribute to this regional pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,090.
- Outlook: The job market for waiters and waitresses in Oklahoma City, OK, appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 11,350 individuals. The location quotient of 1.14 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a stable demand for service professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Oklahoma City, OK earns-21.7%below the national average.
$14.4
$577
$2,502
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Oklahoma City is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in wages for waiters and waitresses over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation adjustments seen across the service industry nationwide. This trend likely reflects increased operational costs for businesses and a sustained demand for dining services.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Oklahoma City, OK
Salary progression for waiters and waitresses typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,980 | $8.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,515 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $20,150 | $9.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,525 | $18 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,090 | $22.6 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $30,020 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (which is the national average), the nominal income in Oklahoma City, OK, for waiters and waitresses aligns directly with the national cost of living. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average.
Job Market Context
11,350
Total Jobs
16.958
Per 1K Jobs
1.14
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.14, Oklahoma City, OK has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.
The location quotient of 1.14 for waiters and waitresses in Oklahoma City indicates that the employment concentration for this occupation is 14% higher than the national average. This suggests a slightly more competitive or abundant job market for these roles locally, with more opportunities relative to the overall workforce compared to the rest of the country.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,410↓ 22% | 34 mi |
| Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,860↓ 24% | 34 mi |
| Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,500↓ 25% | 34 mi |
| Northwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,050↓ 27% | 34 mi |
| Enid, OK Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $26,920↓ 10% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Oklahoma City, OK
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Oklahoma City, OK?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Oklahoma City, OK is $30,020. This typically ranges from $16,980 for entry-level positions to $47,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Oklahoma City, OK is 21.7% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Oklahoma City, OK a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,020 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360. However, the cost of living is at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Oklahoma City, OK a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
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 ($23,410) and Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for a Waiter/Waitress in Oklahoma City, OK?
The average annual salary for a Waiter or Waitress in Oklahoma City, OK is $30,020.
How does the Oklahoma City salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Oklahoma City, OK ($30,020) is lower than the national average salary of $38,360.
Is there high demand for Waiters and Waitresses in Oklahoma City, OK?
With a location quotient of 1.14, there is a slightly higher concentration of waiter and waitress jobs in Oklahoma City compared to the national average, suggesting stable demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Oklahoma City, OK?
The cost of living in Oklahoma City, OK is at the national average (100), meaning the $30,020 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,350 employees in the Oklahoma City, OK area with a job density of 16.958 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Waiters and Waitresses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Oklahoma City, OK