The powerful forward began his professional career at AFC Bournemouth in League One (making his debut in 2006), where he scored 16 in 54 appearances, before progressing his career at Wolves. Vokes helped the Championship side win promotion to the Premier League in his first season. In the four seasons he spent at at Wolves, Vokes played 59 games, spending time on loan at six other clubs (including Leeds United, Brighton and Bristol City). In 2012, he made a permanent switch to Burnley, where he made 258 appearances and scored 62 goals, twice earning promotion to the Premier League. He scored the goal that sealed promotion back to the top flight in a 1-0 win over Queens Park Rangers in 2016.

A 2019 move to Stoke City followed, before the targetman joined Wycombe Wanderers in July 2021. Vokes scored 17 goals in a memorable first season, reaching the play-off finals at Wembley, and penned a deal to extend his stay for a further year.

The 34 year old appears as a TV pundit on Sky Sports and also as a co-presenter and co-commentator for BBC Sport and BBC Radio 5 Live.

Appearances (Goals)
2006–2008 AFC Bournemouth 54 (16)
2008–2012 Wolverhampton Wanderers 47 (6)
2009 Leeds United (loan) 8 (1)
2010–2011 Bristol City (loan) 1 (0)
2011 Sheffield United (loan) 6 (1)
2011 Norwich City (loan) 4 (1)
2011–2012 Burnley (loan) 9 (2)
2012 Brighton & Hove Albion (loan) 14 (3)
2012–2019 Burnley 230 (56)
2019–2021 Stoke City 78 (8)
2021– Wycombe Wanderers