The average hourly wage for Sushi Chefs in Oklahoma City is approximately $18 to $22 per hour. Yet, the overall earnings often include significant additional income from tips, which can range widely depending on the establishment — from about $5 to $15 per hour at casual spots up to $20 to $40 per hour in high-end sushi restaurants.
If you are curious about which restaurants pay Sushi Chefs the best in Oklahoma City and want to understand the factors influencing their earnings, this article is for you. We’ll cover top payers, explore how restaurant types affect income and provide tips for finding lucrative roles in this specialty position.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Sushi Chefs in Oklahoma City- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Sushi Chef Earnings
- How To Find a High Paying Sushi Chef Job in Oklahoma City
- What’s the Outlook for Sushi Chef Jobs in Oklahoma City in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is a Sushi Chef’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Oklahoma City?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Oklahoma City Sushi Chef Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Sushi Chefs in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City offers a growing sushi scene featuring a mix of traditional, modern and fusion styles. These establishments vary in size, clientele and pricing, all of which influence the earning potential of Sushi Chefs.
Below are some of the highest-paying restaurants worth targeting if you are a Sushi Chef looking for lucrative opportunities:
1. S&B's Kitchen
Known for its authentic Japanese cuisine and an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, S&B's Kitchen is a favorite among locals. The restaurant offers Sushi Chefs a chance to work in a traditional kitchen with competitive pay and regular tips.
2. Hideaway Sushi
Hideaway Sushi specializes in innovative rolls and a vibrant dining atmosphere. With a strong following and consistent high volume, Sushi Chefs here profit from both reliable hourly wages and attractive tipping.
3. Metro Sushi
Metro Sushi pairs fusion techniques with classic flavors, creating a menu that appeals broadly. The restaurant’s downtown location adds to its popularity and results in good earnings, especially during busy evenings and weekends.
4. Bin 73
Bin 73 is a contemporary sushi and raw bar featuring creative specialties and a solid local following. Its upscale price points deliver robust tips that augment the base pay for experienced Sushi Chefs.
5. FWD Sushi & Libations
This modern sushi spot combines high-quality sushi with an energetic bar scene. Sushi Chefs benefit from a lively work environment and tip-heavy shifts driven by patrons who enjoy pairing sushi with premium cocktails.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Sushi Chef Earnings
The restaurant’s style and target clientele significantly influence Sushi Chef salaries and tip potential. Generally, upscale or specialty sushi bars pay more than casual or chain restaurants.
Upscale establishments often feature higher menu prices, attracting clientele who leave generous tips, meaning Sushi Chefs can earn an additional $20 to $40 per hour in tips. These venues also may require advanced skills and certifications, such as knowledge of traditional techniques or knife skills, which further increase pay rates.
Casual dining spots or sushi chains typically offer a lower base wage and smaller tips, usually adding about $5 to $15 per hour to hourly wages. However, these environments may provide more consistent hours and learning opportunities, valuable for less experienced Chefs.
How To Find a High Paying Sushi Chef Job in Oklahoma City
Research Quality Establishments
Focus your job search on well-reviewed sushi restaurants known for premium dining experiences. These places are more likely to offer superior compensation.
Highlight Skill and Experience
Emphasize your knife skills, ability to craft innovative rolls and knowledge of traditional Japanese sushi preparation. Certifications or relevant culinary schooling can boost your chances and pay.
Network within the Local Food Scene
Attend local food events and join culinary groups to connect with restaurant owners and Chefs. Personal recommendations and word-of-mouth can lead to better job opportunities.
Prepare Strong Applications
Create a clean, professional resume tailored to Sushi Chef roles, and include a portfolio or images of your work if possible. Practice interview questions related to sushi preparation and customer service.
What’s the Outlook for Sushi Chef Jobs in Oklahoma City in 2025 and Beyond?
The demand for skilled Sushi Chefs in Oklahoma City is projected to grow moderately over the next few years as the city’s culinary scene continues to diversify and expand. The rising popularity of Japanese cuisine and sushi as a dining option plays a significant role in this trend.
According to available labor projections, the need for culinary specialists, particularly in ethnic and specialty foods like sushi, is expected to increase in Oklahoma City between 2025 and 2030. New restaurant openings along with evolving customer tastes will fuel this demand.
Additionally, experienced Sushi Chefs who can offer unique skills and innovation will remain highly sought after in high-end venues, providing steady job opportunities and competitive salaries.
Is a Sushi Chef’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Oklahoma City?
Sushi Chefs in Oklahoma City typically earn a base hourly rate of $18 to $22, with tips adding an extra $5 to $40 hourly depending on the setting, resulting in an estimated annual income of approximately $38,000 to $60,000 or more.
Living expenses in Oklahoma City remain relatively affordable for most U.S. standards. Typical monthly costs include:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): Around $900
- Utilities (electricity, water, etc.): Approximately $150
- Groceries for one person: $250 to $350
- Transportation (public transit or gas): About $80 to $150
Combined with steady tips and pay, Sushi Chefs can comfortably cover housing, bills and daily expenses, allowing for a stable lifestyle and some saving potential in Oklahoma City.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Oklahoma City Sushi Chef Jobs
We carefully selected these restaurants based on their reputation for competitive pay and consistent tipping opportunities. We also considered work environment and location to ensure they offer desirable roles for Sushi Chefs.
- Competitive Compensation: Establishments that offer above-average base wages and robust tip earnings.
- Positive Work Culture: Places known for respectful treatment of kitchen staff and professional growth opportunities.
- Location: Restaurants situated in busy dining districts or trendy neighborhoods to maximize earnings through volume.
- Menu Focus: Restaurants specialized in sushi and Japanese cuisine, indicating demand for skilled Sushi Chefs and potential for career advancement.
This combination helps ensure that Sushi Chefs working at these venues enjoy both financial and professional benefits.
