The Data Analyst's Guide to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Alright, let's cut to the chase. If you're a data analyst looking at Oklahoma City, you're probably weighing a lower cost of living against a slightly lower salary. As a local who’s watched the data scene here evolve from the Bricktown tech boom to the burgeoning analytics hubs in the Innovation District, I can tell you: OKC is a sleeper hit. It’s not Austin or Denver, and that’s precisely the point. You get more space, less traffic, and a cost of living that lets you actually live on your salary.

This guide isn’t just national averages regurgitated with a zip code slapped on. It’s the real picture—from the commute from Norman to the paycheck after rent in Midtown. Let’s dive in.

The Salary Picture: Where Oklahoma City Stands

First, the numbers. The data shows a median salary for a Data Analyst in Oklahoma City of $81,109/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.99/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $83,360/year, but don't let that scare you off. That 2-4% dip is the "Oklahoma discount," and it’s more than offset by the cost of living.

The metro area boasts 1,405 active Data Analyst jobs, with a staggering 10-Year Job Growth projection of 36%. That’s significantly higher than the national average for many professions. The demand is being fueled by the healthcare sector, energy companies modernizing their data operations, and a surprising amount of fintech and logistics data work.

Here’s how salary breaks down by experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for the region.

Experience Level	Typical Years	OKC Salary Range	National Comparison
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Slightly Below
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$70,000 - $85,000	At National Average
Senior	5-10 years	$88,000 - $105,000	Slightly Below
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$110,000 - $135,000+	At or Below National

Insider Tip: You’ll find the highest salaries in the healthcare and specialized energy sectors (think data modeling for reservoir engineers). The public sector and local retail/corporate HQs (like Love's Travel Stops) tend to cluster in the mid-to-upper-mid range.

Comparison to Other OK Cities

While OKC is the hub, other cities in Oklahoma offer different trade-offs.

• Tulsa: Salary is comparable ($79,500 median), but the tech scene is more focused on aerospace and digital transformation. The cost of living is almost identical. It’s a matter of which corporate culture you prefer—OKC’s sprawling, new-money vibe vs. Tulsa’s established, arts-district energy.
• Norman: Home to OU, Norman has more entry-level and academic data roles. Salaries are lower ($72,000 median) due to the academic and public sector dominance. However, it’s a 30-minute commute from OKC’s core job market, so many analysts live in Norman for the smaller-town feel and lower rent, then commute up I-35.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real: salary is meaningless without context. Oklahoma has a progressive state income tax (ranging from 0.5% to 4.75%), and payroll taxes (FICA) will take a significant chunk. Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a Data Analyst earning the $81,109 median salary.

Assumptions: Single filer, taking the standard deduction, no dependents, contributing 5% to a 401(k).

• Gross Monthly Pay: $6,759
• Estimated Deductions (Taxes + 401k): ~$1,550
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$5,209/month

Now, let’s budget that out with the city’s average 1BR rent of $884/month.

Monthly Expense	Cost	% of Take-Home	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$884	17%	Average for a clean, safe apartment.
Utilities	$180	3.5%	Electricity, water, internet. Higher in summer with AC.
Groceries	$350	6.7%	Comparable to national average.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	9.6%	Essential. OKC is not a walkable city.
Gas/Transport	$150	2.9%	Depends on commute.
Health Insurance	$300	5.8%	If not fully covered by employer.
Entertainment/Dining	$400	7.7%	OKC has a great food scene, but it's affordable.
Savings/Debt	$1,145	22%	Covers student loans, investments, emergency fund.
Miscellaneous	$300	5.8%	Everything else.
TOTAL	$4,209	81%	Leaves ~$1,000 buffer.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. The median home price in the OKC metro is around $265,000. With a $52,000 down payment (20%), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,700 - $1,800. That’s only about $900 more than the average rent. For a dual-income household, it’s very attainable. For a single analyst, it’s tight but doable with careful budgeting, especially in suburbs like Edmond or Moore where prices are slightly lower.

Where the Jobs Are: Oklahoma City's Major Employers

The job market here is diverse. You’re not just looking at tech startups. Data is the backbone of every major industry in OKC.

1. Inasmuch Foundation & OMRF (Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation): OMRF is a world-class research institution. They hire data analysts for clinical trial data, genomics, and biostatistics. It’s high-prestige work with a strong emphasis on scientific rigor. Hiring is steady but competitive.
2. Devon Energy & Chesapeake Energy: The energy sector is a massive employer. These companies need analysts for everything from seismic data modeling and production forecasting to financial risk analysis. It’s a lucrative sector, though it can be cyclical. Knowing SQL, Python, and energy-specific software is a huge plus.
3. Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores: A massive private company headquartered in OKC. Their logistics, supply chain, and retail data operations are vast. They have a dedicated data team for optimizing truck stops, inventory, and fuel pricing. This is a great place for an analyst who wants to see the direct impact of their work on a national scale.
4. SSM Health & OU Health (The University of Oklahoma Medical System): With multiple large hospitals (OU Medical Center, Integris Baptist), the healthcare sector is a behemoth. They need analysts for patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and population health. The work is meaningful and the job security is high. Experience with Epic (the EHR system) is often a requirement.
5. Paycom & Tyler Technologies: These are two major tech companies with large OKC footprints. Paycom (HR tech) and Tyler (government software) are constantly hiring data analysts for product development, customer analytics, and business intelligence. This is where you’ll find the most "tech company" culture and perks.
6. State of Oklahoma: Don't overlook the government. The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC), the Department of Transportation, and various state agencies hire data analysts for public policy, economic reporting, and operational data. The benefits are excellent, and the work-life balance is unbeatable, though salaries can be at the lower end of the spectrum.

Hiring Trends: There’s a growing demand for analysts who can move beyond reporting into predictive modeling and machine learning. Companies are investing in data infrastructure, so there's a need for analysts who can also work with data engineers. Remote work is common, but hybrid models are the norm in OKC.

Getting Licensed in OK

The short answer: You don’t need a state license to be a data analyst.

There is no specific "Data Analyst License" from the Oklahoma State Board of Accountancy or any other state body. The field is based on skills, experience, and education, not licensure.

However, there are relevant professional certifications and education paths that are highly valued:

• Education: A bachelor's degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Economics, or a related field is the standard entry requirement. The University of Oklahoma (OU) and Oklahoma State University (OSU) both have strong data science and analytics programs.
• Certifications (Not State-Licensed):
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate: A popular entry-level path.
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: Extremely valuable, as many OKC companies use Microsoft stack.
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist: Also highly sought after.
  • SAS Certified Data Scientist: Niche but valuable in healthcare and energy sectors.
• Cost & Timeline: Certifications typically cost $100-$300 for the exam. Study time ranges from 1-6 months depending on your background. You can start applying for jobs immediately, even while studying.

Insider Tip: For healthcare roles, familiarity with HIPAA regulations is a non-negotiable soft skill. For energy roles, understanding basic geology or financial markets can set you apart.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

OKC is a car city, but where you live shapes your lifestyle. Here are top picks.

1. Midtown: The heart of the action. Walkable to breweries, restaurants, and the Myriad Gardens. A 1BR here will run you $1,100 - $1,400. It’s where the young professionals live. Commute to the Innovation District or downtown is 5-10 minutes. A premium for lifestyle.
2. The Plaza District / Gatewood: Adjacent to Midtown, this area has an artsy, eclectic vibe. More single-family homes and duplexes. Rent is similar to Midtown, but you get more space. Great for those who want character. Commute is still easy.
3. Edmond (North OKC Suburb): The premier suburb for families and those seeking top-rated schools. Safer, more spacious. Rent for a 1BR is around $900 - $1,100, but you can find a 2BR townhome for $1,300. Commute to downtown can be 20-30 minutes on I-35. It’s where many senior analysts and managers settle down.
4. Norman (South OKC Suburb): The college town vibe. Rent is the most affordable here, averaging $800-$950 for a 1BR. You’re close to OU’s resources and the I-35 corridor. The commute to OKC’s core is 30 minutes, but it’s a straight shot. Great for analysts who want a quieter, academic atmosphere.
5. The Deep Deuce / Downtown: For the urbanite who wants to be in the thick of it. High-rise apartments, zero commute if you work downtown. Rent is high: $1,200 - $1,600+. Still emerging, but has incredible potential.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Starting as an Analyst, your path in OKC is clear but requires proactive networking.

• Specialty Premiums: You can expect a 10-15% premium for specialized skills.
  • Healthcare Analytics (SQL, Epic, SAS): +15%
  • Energy Sector Modeling (Python, R, Geospatial Data): +12%
  • Advanced ML/AI (TensorFlow, PyTorch): +20% (but fewer roles)
• Advancement Path:
  1. Data Analyst I -> Data Analyst II (2-3 years)
  2. Senior Data Analyst (3-5 years)
  3. Specialist Tracks:
     • Business Intelligence (BI) Developer: Focus on dashboards (Power BI/Tableau). Heavily in demand.
     • Data Scientist: Requires advanced stats/ML. Fewer pure roles, but growing.
     • Analytics Manager: Leading a team. Requires strong communication and business acumen.
• 10-Year Outlook (36% Growth): This is the key. The growth is not just in numbers but in sophistication. Companies are moving from basic reporting to predictive and prescriptive analytics. The analysts who will thrive are those who learn the business—whether it’s healthcare operations, energy markets, or retail logistics—and can translate data into actionable strategy for executives.

The Verdict: Is Oklahoma City Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further. Homeownership is realistic.	Lower Ceiling: Salaries cap lower than in coastal tech hubs.
Strong Job Growth (36%): A healthy, expanding market.	Car Dependency: You will drive everywhere. Public transit is limited.
Diverse Industries: Not reliant on one sector. Healthcare, energy, logistics, government.	Limited "Tech Scene": Fewer startups and networking events than major metros.
Manageable Size: Easy to navigate, less traffic than other major cities.	Conservative Culture: Socially and politically, it's a red state. May not suit everyone.
High Quality of Life: Great food scene, sports, and outdoor activities (lakes, parks).	Weather: Tornadoes in spring, extreme heat in summer.

Final Recommendation: Oklahoma City is an excellent choice for data analysts in the mid-career stage (3-8 years of experience) who are looking to build equity, enjoy a high quality of life, and work in stable, growing industries. It’s a fantastic place for those who value practicality over prestige. If you’re an entry-level analyst, it’s a great place to start and learn. If you’re a top-tier expert seeking FAANG-level competition and salary, you might hit a ceiling.

For the right person, OKC isn’t a compromise—it’s a strategic career move.

FAQs

Q: Is the job market for Data Analysts in OKC flooded?
A: Not at all. With 1,405 jobs and 36% growth, demand is robust. The key is tailoring your resume to local industries—highlight healthcare, energy, or logistics experience if you have it.

Q: How important is a Master's degree here?
A: For entry-level, a bachelor's is sufficient. For senior and specialist roles, a Master's in Data Science or Business Analytics (from OU or OSU) can give you a significant edge, especially in healthcare and energy. Many companies offer tuition reimbursement.

Q: What's the commute really like?
A: It’s a commuter city. Most people live in suburbs (Edmond, Moore, Norman) and drive to work. Rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) is real but manageable compared to bigger cities. The I-40 and I-235 corridors are the main arteries. Live close to your office for the best quality of life.

Q: Are there networking opportunities?
A: Yes, but they’re more industry-specific than tech-specific. Join groups like the OKC Data & Analytics Meetup on Meetup.com. Also, get involved with the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce or sector-specific events (like those at the Innovation District). LinkedIn is huge here.

Q: Can I work remotely for a company outside OKC while living in OKC?
A: Absolutely. Many analysts here do this, taking advantage of the low cost of living while earning a national salary. Just be mindful of time zones if you’re working with a company on the coasts. The local internet infrastructure is solid, making this a viable strategy.