Average salary in Oklahoma

Despite its size, Oklahoma has a lower cost of living compared to many other states in the country, which makes it easier to define a 'good' salary. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, Oklahoma is ranked as the 12th lowest for the cost of living and has a diverse economy that includes industries such as aerospace, energy, and healthcare. However, earnings can still vary depending on factors such as location, occupation, and experience. 

Oklahoma County, Tulsa County, and Canadian County have a strong job market, with many opportunities in industries such as oil and gas, healthcare, and education. But which cities and counties offer the highest average salaries? 

Average salary in Oklahoma by city 

City living is often more expensive than living in more rural areas, but it’s also where the money is. Oklahoma’s own cities can vary massively in average salary; cities like Edmond and Bixby command well into six figures, while Muskogee’s average sits just above $35,000.  

Average earnings by city—or any other geographical metric—is just one way of calculating wealth, and certainly shouldn’t be the only way you look at your own earning potential in a given place. It doesn’t take into account the type of jobs that people do to earn above or below this average bracket, and omits any consideration for the number of people living in a household. However, it’s certainly one way of establishing which place offers good earning opportunities.  

The US Census Bureau’s latest American Community Survey has calculated the average earnings for the 20 largest cities in Oklahoma, which you can find ranked below.  

Average salary in Oklahoma by county 

Reviewing average salaries in Oklahoma by city is not necessarily an adequate metric for average salaries across the state, since it’s entirely urban focused. A good idea is to weigh these figures up against the average salary in Oklahoma by county, as this will take areas outside the main cities into account and offer a broader idea of salary ranges.  

The same survey from the US Census Bureau gives further insight this way, with the average household income calculated for each county.

Highest paying jobs in Oklahoma

There’s another weighty factor that will influence how much you earn if you live in Oklahoma: your job type. Average salaries for various sectors and job roles can vary massively across the state, so it’s absolutely something to consider when looking at salaries by location.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has calculated a comprehensive list of annual salaries by occupation area, which you can also find below.

Frequently asked questions about salaries in Oklahoma

What is the average salary in Oklahoma by age?
Alongside location and occupation, salaries in Oklahoma are also dependent on age, since more senior workers will be paid more. Then, when they retire, their income will dip again as they will rely on pensions and other forms of set income. Check out the details of retiring in Oklahoma here.

The Census Bureau data finds that householders under 25 in Oklahoma have a median household income of $34,820, while those aged 25 to 44 years old have a median income of $59,922. For those aged 45 to 64 years old, the median income is $66,710, and for those 65 and older, the median income is $44,888.

What is a ‘good’ salary in Oklahoma?
The median income in Oklahoma is $54,449. The definition of a 'good' salary depends on various factors such as cost of living, location, occupation, and individual needs. However, earning above the median income can be considered a good salary.

What is the average salary in Oklahoma by hour?
If Americans work an average of 1,801 hours per year—at 37.5 hours a week—then the average hourly salary in Oklahoma is $30.23.

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