Creative & Education Oklahoma (OK) Rank #47 of 50

Chef Salary in Oklahoma

The median chef salary in Oklahoma is $48,607 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $56,520.

Median Salary
$48,607
vs National
$-7,913
State Rank
#47 of 50
Cost of Living
86%

Chef Salary Overview in Oklahoma (2026)

Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for chef compensation. Chef salaries in Oklahoma are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $48,607 per year, chefs in Oklahoma earn $7,913 less than the national median of $56,520.

A key advantage of working in Oklahoma is its below-average cost of living (86% of the national index). This means the $48,607 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $56,520 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Oklahoma is significant: chefs at the 10th percentile earn $28,552, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $84,108 — a $55,556 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Oklahoma for this role is Edmond, where the median reaches $51,998.

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for chefs across the country.

Chef Salary in Oklahoma by Experience

In Oklahoma, an entry-level chef earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The cost of living index in Oklahoma is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,100
$-4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,160
$-7,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,680
$-12,320 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Oklahoma

Percentile OK Salary
10th Percentile $28,552
25th Percentile $36,292
Median (50th) $48,607
75th Percentile $64,500
90th Percentile $84,108

Chef Salary by City in Oklahoma

The largest employment areas for chefs in Oklahoma include Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and Broken Arrow. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chef in Oklahoma

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Oklahoma has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook in Oklahoma

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Oklahoma's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Oklahoma

How much does a Chef make in Oklahoma? ▼
The median chef salary in Oklahoma is $48,607 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $28,552 (10th percentile) to $84,108 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Oklahoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,607, a chef in Oklahoma earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Oklahoma a good state for chefs? ▼
Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for chef pay. The cost of living index is 86% of the national average. Entry-level chefs earn $30,100, while senior professionals earn $75,680.
How does Oklahoma compare to other states for chef salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chefs is Hawaii at $96,084. Oklahoma's median of $48,607 ranks #47 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kansas ($49,172) and Kentucky ($49,172).
What is the entry-level chef salary in Oklahoma? ▼
An entry-level chef in Oklahoma earns approximately $30,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,160. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $75,680.
What city in Oklahoma pays chefs the most? ▼
Edmond is the highest paying city in Oklahoma for chefs, with a median salary of $51,998. Other cities include Oklahoma City and Tulsa.