On average, Prep Cooks in Oklahoma City earn about $14 per hour. However, this figure only tells part of the story. Many Prep Cooks also earn additional income through tips or bonuses, which can range from $2 to $5 per hour depending on the restaurant and shift.
This article will highlight some of the top-paying restaurants where Prep Cooks can maximize their earnings. We’ll also examine how factors like restaurant type and location influence compensation with a closer look at how tips and bonuses play a role for kitchen staff in Oklahoma City.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Prep Cooks in Oklahoma City, OK- 1. Vast Restaurant & Bar
- 2. The Monk Tavern
- 3. Cheever’s Cafe
- 4. Nic & Kay’s
- 5. The Metro Wine Bar & Bistro
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Prep Cook Earnings in Oklahoma City
- How To Find a High Paying Prep Cook Job in Oklahoma City
- What’s the Outlook for Prep Cook Jobs in Oklahoma City in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is a Prep Cook’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Oklahoma City?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Oklahoma City Prep Cook Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Prep Cooks in Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City boasts a range of restaurants that offer competitive pay for Prep Cooks. These establishments often combine decent base wages with opportunities for bonuses or tips especially in busier or upscale kitchens. Here are some of the top options:
1. Vast Restaurant & Bar
Situated atop the Devon Tower, Vast offers stunning skyline views and a focus on upscale American cuisine. Its reputation for quality and service extends to the kitchen, where Prep Cooks earn competitive wages along with opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
2. The Monk Tavern
Known for its unique craft cocktails and seasonal menu, The Monk Tavern is a popular downtown spot. Prep Cooks here benefit from a vibrant environment and solid pay that often includes tip pooling arrangements.
3. Cheever’s Cafe
Established in historic Midtown, Cheever’s Cafe serves up innovative Southwestern dishes. The kitchen team enjoys steady hours and fair compensation complemented by bonuses tied to busy weekend shifts.
4. Nic & Kay’s
This lively neighborhood bistro blends French and American influences. Prep Cooks appreciate the stable workflows and above-average hourly rates that reflect the restaurant's growing popularity.
5. The Metro Wine Bar & Bistro
Offering a curated wine selection and refined small plates, The Metro is a favorite for special occasions. Prep Cooks here receive competitive wages as well as occasional spot bonuses during high-demand periods.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Prep Cook Earnings in Oklahoma City
Earnings for Prep Cooks in Oklahoma City vary widely depending on the restaurant category, location and size. Different settings offer distinct advantages and challenges for pay.
Upscale restaurants and fine dining venues tend to offer higher base wages, reflecting the complexity of menu preparation and higher kitchen standards. These establishments might also include performance bonuses and profit sharing, particularly during busy seasons.
Conversely, casual and fast-casual spots usually have lower hourly wages but provide steadier hours. Tips for Prep Cooks are less common here although some kitchens opt for tip pooling to share front-of-house gratuities.
- Upscale restaurants: $14-$18 per hour base pay with $2-$5 hourly bonus potential
- Casual dining: $11-$14 per hour with occasional tip pool options
- Fast food/quick service: Usually minimum wage to $12 per hour, tips uncommon
How To Find a High Paying Prep Cook Job in Oklahoma City
Develop Relevant Skills and Certifications
Having a culinary certificate or food safety training can set you apart and qualify you for higher wages. Consider pursuing ServSafe or other culinary courses to enhance your qualifications.
Create a Strong Resume and Cover Letter
Highlight your experience in fast-paced kitchens, knowledge of food prep techniques and any specialized skills like knife handling or inventory management.
Network in the Local Food Industry
Attend culinary events and job fairs in Oklahoma City. Personal connections within the vibrant food scene can open doors to lucrative positions.
Apply to Upscale and Growing Establishments
Target restaurants known for higher-end cuisine or those expanding their operations, as they often offer better pay and benefits to attract skilled staff.
Prepare for Interviews
Demonstrate enthusiasm for cooking and a clear understanding of kitchen operations. Emphasize your reliability and ability to work under pressure.
What’s the Outlook for Prep Cook Jobs in Oklahoma City in 2025 and Beyond?
The job outlook for Prep Cooks in Oklahoma City is promising. As the city’s culinary scene continues to expand, demand for kitchen staff is expected to grow steadily. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in food preparation roles is projected to increase by about 6% nationally through 2030.
Factors driving this growth include population growth, increased dining out habits and a rising number of foodservice establishments opening in Oklahoma City’s urban centers.
Prep Cooks who build strong skills, maintain certifications and pursue opportunities in more upscale or expanding restaurants will find the best chances for career growth and higher earnings.
Is a Prep Cook’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Oklahoma City?
Combining the average base wage of $14 per hour with typical tip or bonus earnings raises total hourly income to roughly $16 to $19 per hour for many Prep Cooks in Oklahoma City.
On an annual basis, this can translate to approximately $33,000 to $39,000, which is above the city's median household income.
Oklahoma City’s cost of living is relatively affordable, with typical expenses including:
- Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $850 per month
- Monthly utilities: $150
- Groceries per month (single adult): $300
- Transportation costs: $100 to $150 monthly
Given these figures, a Prep Cook earning top wages at a reputable restaurant can comfortably cover basic living costs and save or enjoy other activities in Oklahoma City.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Oklahoma City Prep Cook Jobs
We selected the featured restaurants based on several important factors to ensure readers find the best earning opportunities:
- Competitive Wage Rates: Preference was given to establishments offering base pay above the city average.
- Additional Income Opportunities: Restaurants with tipping, bonuses or profit-sharing programs ranked higher.
- Location and Accessibility: Venues situated in high-demand neighborhoods or near transportation hubs were prioritized for convenience and steady foot traffic.
- Work Environment: Positive staff reviews and good management practices factored into our choices.
By focusing on these core criteria, we identified the restaurants most likely to provide both strong pay and a supportive work atmosphere for Prep Cooks in Oklahoma City.
