Sous Chef Salary in Tulsa, OK
Sous Chefs in Tulsa, OK, in 2025, earn approximately $27.39 per hour, which translates to about $1,095.60 per week, $4,747.60 per month, and $56,971.20 per year.
The demand for Sous Chefs in Tulsa is growing moderately at about 6% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for culinary professionals in this vibrant Oklahoma city.
How Much Does a Sous Chef Make in Tulsa, OK?
The salary of a Sous Chef in Tulsa varies based on experience and employer, but here is an overview of potential earnings at different levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $20.05 | $802.00 | $3,473.33 | $41,704.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $27.39 | $1,095.60 | $4,747.60 | $56,971.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $37.41 | $1,496.40 | $6,480.40 | $77,827.20 |
Do Sous Chefs in Tulsa Earn Tips?
Sous Chefs typically do not earn tips as their primary role is focused on kitchen leadership and food preparation rather than direct customer service, so tips are usually not part of their income.
Sous Chef Salary in Tulsa vs. National Average
Nationally, Sous Chefs earn an average of around $28.85 per hour, which translates to approximately $60,008 per year.
Compared to the national average, Sous Chefs in Tulsa earn slightly less at about $27.39 per hour and $56,971 annually. This difference reflects regional cost of living and market conditions.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Tulsa for Sous Chefs
Nearby areas offer competitive salaries for Sous Chefs, including:
- Broken Arrow: $32.85 per hour
- Durant: $29.91 per hour
Working in Broken Arrow may provide higher pay compared to other surrounding areas, making it an attractive option for culinary professionals seeking better compensation.
What Influences a Sous Chef’s Salary in Tulsa?
Several factors impact the salary of a Sous Chef in Tulsa:
- Experience and Expertise: Experienced Sous Chefs with strong culinary skills and leadership abilities tend to command higher salaries.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants, hotels, and resorts often pay more than casual dining or fast-food venues.
- Certifications and Training: Culinary certificates, such as those from the American Culinary Federation, can enhance earning potential.
- Kitchen Size and Staff: Larger kitchens with more staff typically require greater management skills, which can impact pay.
- Location and Cost of Living: Urban areas or affluent neighborhoods often offer higher wages compared to smaller towns or rural areas.
How To Become a Sous Chef in Tulsa
Becoming a Sous Chef in Tulsa generally involves a combination of education, experience, and certification:
- Formal Culinary Education: Enroll in programs such as the Tulsa Community College Culinary Arts Program or the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology Culinary Arts Program to gain comprehensive training in culinary techniques and kitchen management.
- Gain Kitchen Experience: Start in entry-level roles like line cook or prep cook to build hands-on cooking skills and develop a deep understanding of kitchen operations.
- Obtain Certifications: Acquire certifications such as the ServSafe Certification for food safety and the Certified Sous Chef (CSC) credential from the American Culinary Federation to demonstrate professionalism and expertise.
- Develop Leadership Skills: Focus on communication, time management, and staff supervision skills, which are critical for success in a Sous Chef role.
Top Employers Hiring Sous Chefs in Tulsa
Several prominent Tulsa establishments are known to hire skilled Sous Chefs, including:
- Tavern
- Kitchen No. 324
- The Vault Tulsa
- Palmer's Old Town Tavern
- Juniper
Establishments That Sous Chefs in Tulsa Work At
Sous Chefs in Tulsa usually work in diverse types of establishments such as:
- Casual and Fine Dining Restaurants: Often offer higher salaries and opportunities for culinary creativity.
- Hotels and Resorts: These provide structured kitchens with potential for advancement and varied cuisine styles.
- Corporate Catering and Banquet Halls: May offer stable hours and competitive pay for experienced chefs.
- Fast Casual and Chain Restaurants: Tend to have lower pay but can serve as a starting point for gaining experience.
The type of establishment significantly influences salary due to differences in cuisine complexity, clientele, and operational scale.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Tulsa for Sous Chefs
If you're exploring careers related to Sous Chef roles, consider similar jobs that require culinary expertise and kitchen management skills.
These include Chef, Head Chef, and Executive Chef positions, which often share overlapping skills and career progression paths with Sous Chefs.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Sous Chefs in Tulsa
Sous Chefs should be familiar with labor laws and tax regulations affecting their employment in Tulsa.
- Visit the U.S. Department of Labor website for detailed federal labor laws, wage standards, and employment statistics.
- The Oklahoma state government website provides resources on state-specific employment regulations, licensing requirements, and workforce development programs.