Cook Salary in Tulsa, OK
Cooks in Tulsa, OK, in 2025, earn approximately $14.02 per hour, which translates to about $560.80 per week, $2,430.13 per month, and $29,161.60 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Tulsa is looking up with a growth rate of 5% per year, indicating a positive trend and healthy opportunities in the culinary job market of the area.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Tulsa, OK?
The salary of a Cook in Tulsa can range depending on their level of experience, skillset, and the place of employment. Below is a breakdown of wages by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.90 | $436.00 | $1,886.67 | $22,672.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.60 | $584.00 | $2,526.67 | $30,368.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $18.04 | $721.60 | $3,126.93 | $37,523.20 |
Do Cooks in Tulsa Earn Tips?
Cooks generally do not earn tips as their work mostly happens in the kitchen away from direct customer service. Their compensation is typically based solely on wages or salary.
Cook Salary in Tulsa vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of approximately $16.22 per hour, translating to about $33,737.60 per year.
Compared to this, Cooks in Tulsa earn slightly less than the national average, with approximately $14.02 per hour and $29,161.60 per year.
This difference may be influenced by local cost of living and demand factors unique to Tulsa.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Tulsa for Cooks
Nearby Tulsa, pay rates for Cooks vary by area:
- Downtown Tulsa: $15.50 per hour
- South Tulsa: $17.60 per hour
South Tulsa offers higher hourly wages for Cooks compared to Downtown Tulsa, providing attractive earning potential for commuters.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Tulsa?
Several factors can influence how much a Cook earns in Tulsa:
- Experience: More experienced Cooks usually command higher pay, particularly those with specialties or advanced culinary techniques.
- Skills: Skills such as knife proficiency, menu planning, and food safety knowledge positively impact salary.
- Type of Establishment: Working at upscale restaurants or hotels often pays more than fast-food or casual dining.
- Shift Timing: Night or weekend shifts might include shift differentials adding to base pay.
- Certifications: Holding food safety certifications can increase employability and pay.
How To Become a Cook in Tulsa
Becoming a Cook in Tulsa involves gaining relevant training and certifications:
- Tulsa Community College Culinary Arts Program: Provides comprehensive training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and food safety.
- Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology Culinary Arts Program: Offers hands-on culinary education preparing students for various food service roles.
- ServSafe Food Handler Certification: A nationally recognized certification focusing on food safety, often required for Cooks.
- Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation: An entry-level certification demonstrating culinary skills and knowledge.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Tulsa
Some of the prominent employers actively hiring Cooks in Tulsa include:
- McDonald's
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Cooks in Tulsa Work At
Cooks in Tulsa typically find employment across a variety of food establishments such as:
- Fast Food Restaurants: Fast-paced environments that usually offer entry-level positions with modest wages.
- Casual Dining: These offer more variety in duties and generally better pay than fast food.
- Hotels and Catering Services: Often pay more and require preparation of diverse menus and larger quantities.
- Fine Dining: Usually the highest-paying, requiring advanced cooking skills, professionalism, and creativity.
The type of establishment greatly influences salary, with fine dining and hotels typically offering the highest earnings potential.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Tulsa for Cooks
If you are interested in roles connected to cooking, here are a few similar positions worth considering:
These include Line Cook, Head Chef, and Kitchen Supervisor — roles that often build on the skills and experience gained as a Cook.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Tulsa
Cooks should be informed about the labor laws and tax considerations affecting their employment in Tulsa:
- Visit the Official website of the State of Oklahoma for details on state regulations, including minimum wage and worker rights.
- The U.S. Department of Labor's official website offers comprehensive information on federal labor laws and standards.