Chef Salary in Tulsa, Oklahoma
The median chef salary in Tulsa, OK is $48,607 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 0.0% above the Oklahoma state average.
Chef Pay in Tulsa: What to Expect (2026)
Tulsa offers a median chef salary of $48,607, which is $0 above the Oklahoma state average of $48,607. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Tulsa pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Tulsa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $48,607 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Tulsa an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for chefs in Tulsa spans from $28,552 at the 10th percentile to $84,108 at the 90th percentile — a $55,556 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. With a population of 413,066, Tulsa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Chef Salary in Tulsa by Experience
In Tulsa, an entry-level chef earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Tulsa, OK
| Percentile | Tulsa |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $28,552 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,292 |
| Median (50th) | $48,607 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $84,108 |
Chef Salary in Other Oklahoma Cities
How to Become a Chef in Tulsa
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Tulsa and the surrounding Oklahoma area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Tulsa may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Tulsa
Browse open chef positions in Tulsa, OK: