Average Waiters and Waitresses Salary in Tulsa, OK
Waiters and waitresses in Tulsa, OK, earn an average annual salary of $29,570. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,360, suggesting that local economic factors and the cost of labor in Tulsa influence compensation for these service roles. The specific pay scales are often dictated by the volume of business, tipping culture, and the overall economic climate of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 56.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,570.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 7,160 individuals in this role, Tulsa demonstrates a significant presence of waiters and waitresses. The Location Quotient of 1.06 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs in Tulsa compared to the national average, suggesting a stable, if not slightly growing, demand for service professionals in the area's hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Waiters and Waitresses in Tulsa, OK earns-22.9%below the national average.
$14.2
$569
$2,464
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Tulsa's waiter and waitress salaries over the past four years isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, inflation, and increased demand for dining services likely contributed to modest salary growth, though local market dynamics would ultimately dictate the extent of these increases.
Waiters and Waitresses Salary Distribution in Tulsa, OK
Salary progression for waiters and waitresses typically correlates with experience and skill. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive customer service experience and a proven track record can command higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary data signify this career trajectory, rewarding dedication and expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,440 | $7.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,178 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $20,330 | $9.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,963 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $58,570 | $28.2 |
Detailed Waiters and Waitresses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,570
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,570 in Tulsa aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income in Tulsa is comparable to the national standard, making the lower salary less impactful on daily living expenses.
Job Market Context
7,160
Total Jobs
15.799
Per 1K Jobs
1.06
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.06, Tulsa, OK has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Waiters and Waitresses roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.06 signifies that Tulsa has a slightly higher concentration of waiter and waitress jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy job market for these professionals, indicating that employers are actively seeking and employing individuals in these roles at a rate slightly above the national norm.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Waiters and Waitresses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $23,410↓ 21% | 69 mi |
| Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,860↓ 23% | 69 mi |
| Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,500↓ 24% | 69 mi |
| Northwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $22,050↓ 25% | 69 mi |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Waiters and Waitresses Salary | $30,770↑ 4% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tulsa, OK
Hiring Waiters and Waitressess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Waiters and Waitresses make in Tulsa, OK?
The median annual salary for a Waiters and Waitresses in Tulsa, OK is $29,570. This typically ranges from $16,440 for entry-level positions to $58,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tulsa, OK is 22.9% lower than the national median of $38,360.
Is Tulsa, OK a lucrative place for Waiters and Waitresses?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,570 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,360. However, the cost of living in Tulsa is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Tulsa, OK a good place to live for Waiters and Waitresses?
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 ($23,410) and Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.
How does Tulsa's waiter salary compare to the national average?
Waiters and waitresses in Tulsa earn an average of $29,570 annually, which is $8,790 less than the national average of $38,360.
What is the concentration of waiter jobs in Tulsa?
Tulsa has a Location Quotient of 1.06 for waiters and waitresses, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Tulsa affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Tulsa is at the national average. This means the lower nominal salary of $29,570 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, mitigating the impact of the lower pay.
What is the total number of waiters and waitresses in Tulsa?
There are approximately 7,160 waiters and waitresses employed in Tulsa, OK.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,160 employees in the Tulsa, OK area with a job density of 15.799 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 Tulsa, OK