Data Analyst in Tulsa, OK

Data analysts, listen up. If you're looking for a city with a low cost of living, a surging tech scene, and genuine Midwestern hospitality, Tulsa needs to be on your radar. I’ve lived in Oklahoma for years, and I’ve watched Tulsa transform from a quiet energy town into a legitimate tech hub. This isn't a generic guide—it's a blueprint for building a life here as a data professional. We’re going to crunch the numbers, map out the neighborhoods, and look at exactly what your day-to-day will look like.

Let’s get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Tulsa Stands

First, let's talk about your paycheck. Tulsa’s salary landscape is nuanced. The cost of living is significantly lower than the coasts, which means your dollar goes further, even if the base salary looks modest compared to San Francisco or New York. For a Data Analyst, the market is robust but competitive.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local salary aggregation sites, here’s how the numbers break down.

Key Salary Metrics for Tulsa, OK:

• Median Salary: $80,734/year
• Hourly Rate: $38.81/hour
• National Average: 83,360/year
• Jobs in Metro: 821
• 10-Year Job Growth: 36%

As you can see, Tulsa's median salary sits just below the national average, which is typical for the region. The real story, however, is the 36% job growth over the next decade. That’s a massive indicator of opportunity. The 821 active jobs in the metro area show a healthy, active market, not a saturated one.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Like any city, your experience dictates your pay. Here’s a realistic breakdown for Tulsa’s market.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Tulsa)	Typical Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$55,000 - $65,000	Querying databases (SQL), basic reporting in Excel/Power BI, data cleaning, supporting senior analysts.
Mid-Level	$70,000 - $90,000	Building dashboards, statistical analysis, owning a specific business area (e.g., marketing analytics), mentoring juniors.
Senior	$95,000 - $120,000	Leading projects, complex statistical modeling, cross-functional strategy, advanced SQL/Python/R, mentoring.
Expert/Lead	$125,000+	Department leadership, defining data strategy, advanced machine learning, stakeholder management with C-suite.

Comparison to Other Oklahoma Cities

To understand Tulsa’s position, you have to look at its in-state competitors.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Key Industries
Tulsa	$80,734	89.5	Energy, Aerospace, Healthcare, Fintech
Oklahoma City	$78,450	87.0	Government, Healthcare, Aerospace
Norman	$72,100	85.5	Education (OU), Aerospace

Insider Tip: While Oklahoma City has a slightly lower cost of living, Tulsa’s job growth in the private sector (especially in tech and energy analytics) is outpacing OKC. The salary premium in Tulsa for specialized roles (like energy data or financial analytics) can make it more lucrative for the right candidate.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A salary is just a number until you factor in taxes and housing. We’ll use the median salary of $80,734 for this breakdown.

Assumptions for this calculation:

• Filing Status: Single
• Federal Tax: Assumes standard deduction, no dependents.
• State Tax: Oklahoma has a progressive tax bracket. For this income, we estimate an effective state rate of ~4.5%.
• FICA: 7.65% (Social Security & Medicare)
• Health Insurance & Retirement: A conservative 5% pre-tax deduction.
• Rent: Using the city-wide average of $900/month for a 1-bedroom.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Data Analyst Earning $80,734:

Category	Calculation	Monthly Amount
Gross Monthly Pay	$80,734 / 12	$6,728
Pre-Tax Deductions	5% for 401k/health	-$336
Taxable Income	Gross - Deductions	$6,392
Federal Tax	Est. ~20% effective	-$1,278
FICA (7.65%)	$6,392 * 7.65%	-$489
State Tax (OK)	Est. 4.5% effective	-$288
Net Take-Home Pay	After all taxes & deductions	$4,337
Rent (1BR Avg)	$900	-$900
Utilities	(Electric, Gas, Internet)	-$200
Groceries		-$400
Car Payment/Insurance	(Oklahoma has high insurance rates)	-$450
Gas/Transport		-$150
Healthcare	(Copays, etc.)	-$100
Discretionary	(Entertainment, dining, savings)	$2,137

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes. Absolutely. The median home price in Tulsa is hovering around $200,000 - $225,000. With a $2,137 monthly discretionary fund, you could easily save for a down payment (3-5% is common here) and afford a monthly mortgage of ~$1,200-$1,400, which is well within reach. Unlike coastal cities, homeownership is a realistic goal for a mid-career data analyst in Tulsa.

Where the Jobs Are: Tulsa's Major Employers

Tulsa’s economy is a mix of legacy industries and new tech. Data analysts are critical in all of them. Here’s where you should be looking.

1. American Airlines (Tulsa Maintenance Center): The world’s largest maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility is here. They need analysts for supply chain logistics, predictive maintenance, and operational efficiency. They’re a massive employer with a constant need for data talent.

2. Saint Francis Health System / Ascension: One of the largest hospital systems in Oklahoma. They have a huge need for healthcare data analysts, focusing on patient outcomes, operational metrics, and population health. This is a stable, recession-resistant sector.

3. The Oklahoma State University Medical Center (OSU Medicine): A major teaching hospital and research institute. They employ analysts for clinical research, financial modeling, and academic data projects. Great for those interested in the intersection of medicine and data.

4. BOK Financial: A major regional bank headquartered in Tulsa. They have a significant need for financial analysts, fraud detection specialists, and customer data analysts. The fintech scene here is growing, with BOK at the center.

5. QuikTrip (QT): This beloved convenience store chain is a Tulsa-born giant. They run on incredibly sophisticated data—supply chain, site selection, customer analytics, and real-time inventory. Working here is a badge of honor for local data pros.

6. Tulsa Public Schools: A large school district with complex data needs, from student performance metrics to budget allocation and demographic analysis. It's a great public-sector role with a strong mission.

7. Local Energy & Aerospace Firms: Companies like Williams Companies (natural gas infrastructure) and Nordam (aerospace composites) have deep data needs. The energy sector, in particular, is a cornerstone of the local economy and pays a premium for analysts who understand the industry.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable shift toward hybrid roles. Many employers are looking for data analysts who can also handle some data engineering tasks (ETL, basic pipeline management) or have business intelligence skills (Power BI/Tableau). Python and SQL are non-negotiable.

Getting Licensed in OK

Here’s the good news: You do not need a state license to work as a data analyst in Oklahoma. Unlike accountants, engineers, or nurses, data analysis is not a licensed profession.

What you do need:

• A Degree: Most employers require at least a bachelor’s in a quantitative field (Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, Business Analytics). Some may accept equivalent experience.
• Certifications (Optional but Recommended):
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (great for entry-level)
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist
  • Amazon AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty
• Portfolio: A GitHub repository with projects demonstrating SQL, Python, and visualization skills is more valuable than any license.

Timeline & Cost:

• License: Not required. Cost: $0.
• Certifications: Can be completed in 1-3 months. Cost: $100 - $300 per exam.
• Education: A bachelor’s degree is the standard. If you have a non-quantitative degree, a bootcamp (like the one at Tulsa Community College or OSU-Tulsa) can take 6-12 months and cost $5,000 - $12,000.

Insider Tip: The local job market values practical skills over formal credentials. A strong portfolio with a project using Tulsa-specific public data (e.g., analyzing city budget allocations or traffic patterns) will make you stand out to local employers.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Choosing where to live in Tulsa depends on your lifestyle and commute. The city is spread out, but traffic is generally manageable.

1. Brookside / South Tulsa: The most popular area for young professionals. It’s walkable, with great restaurants, coffee shops, and bars along Peoria Avenue. Commute to downtown or the airport is 15-20 minutes. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,400/month. This is above the city average, but you pay for the lifestyle.

2. Downtown / Arts District: Living in the heart of the action. You’ll be near the BOK Center, the Gathering Place (a world-class park), and the expanding arts district. Walkable to a few major employers, but many are a short drive. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,000 - $1,600/month. Best for those who want an urban, vibrant feel.

3. Midtown: Historic and charming, with beautiful bungalow homes and a strong sense of community. It’s centrally located, making commutes to most areas easy (10-20 minutes). More residential but still close to amenities. Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,200/month. The perfect balance of character and convenience.

4. Jenks (Suburb): To the south, Jenks is a top-rated school district, making it a magnet for families. It’s a 20-30 minute commute to downtown Tulsa, but you get more space and a quiet community. Rent Estimate (1BR): $850 - $1,100/month. Ideal if you have or plan for a family.

5. Tulsa Hills (Southwest): A newer, master-planned area with modern apartments and townhomes. It’s close to the highway, making commutes predictable. Very family-friendly with lots of parks. Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,200/month. Great for someone who wants a newer build and easy access to shopping.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career path in Tulsa can be lucrative if you specialize.

Specialty Premiums:

• Energy Sector Analytics: Knowing the natural gas or oil industry can add a 10-15% premium to your salary. Companies like Williams or ONE Gas pay well for this niche knowledge.
• Healthcare Analytics: With major hospital systems, analysts who understand HIPAA and clinical workflows are in high demand. This is a stable, growing path.
• Supply Chain & Logistics: With American Airlines and a major inland port, this is a critical area. Expertise here can lead to senior management roles.

Advancement Paths:

1. Individual Contributor Track: Junior Analyst → Analyst → Senior Analyst → Principal Analyst. This is the technical expert pathway.
2. Management Track: Analyst → Analytics Manager → Director of Analytics. Requires strong communication and project management skills.
3. Specialist Track: Data Analyst → Data Scientist → Machine Learning Engineer. This requires advanced degrees (Master’s, PhD) and deep technical skills.

10-Year Outlook: The 36% job growth is your roadmap. As Tulsa’s tech scene matures (fueled by programs like Tulsa Remote), demand will increase. The key to longevity is staying current with tools (e.g., transitioning from Tableau to more advanced platforms) and cultivating a deep understanding of your chosen industry (energy, healthcare, etc.).

The Verdict: Is Tulsa Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes far, making homeownership achievable.	Limited Public Transit: You will need a car. The bus system exists but isn't robust.
High Job Growth: The 36% projected growth indicates a dynamic, expanding market.	Limited "Coastal" Culture: It's not NYC or LA. The food and nightlife are good but on a smaller scale.
Strong Industry Mix: Diverse employers (energy, healthcare, aviation) provide stability.	Weather: Summers are hot and humid; winters can be icy. Tornado season is a reality.
Manageable Commute: No brutal traffic jams. Most commutes are under 25 minutes.	Social Scene: It can feel small. Building a professional network takes effort.
Growing Tech Scene: Investments from Tulsa Remote and local universities are paying off.	Lower Ceiling: Senior/Expert salaries have a ceiling compared to major tech hubs.

Final Recommendation:
Tulsa is an excellent choice for data analysts who value work-life balance, affordability, and long-term career stability. It’s perfect for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, or escape the grind of a high-cost city. It’s less ideal for those who crave a fast-paced, cut-throat tech environment or who rely heavily on public transportation. If you’re a self-starter who can build your own network, Tulsa offers a high quality of life and a rewarding career path.

FAQs

1. Do I need to know someone to get a job in Tulsa?
No, but it helps. The market is active on LinkedIn and Indeed. However, Tulsa’s business community is relationship-driven. Attend local meetups (like those hosted by Tulsa Data & Analytics or Techlahoma) to build your network. A referral can significantly speed up your application.

2. How competitive is the job market?
It’s competitive for mid-level roles, but there’s a shortage of truly skilled senior analysts. If you have a strong portfolio and can demonstrate business impact (e.g., “I improved reporting efficiency by 30%”), you’ll stand out. The 821 open jobs suggest opportunities, but quality candidates are still sought after.

3. Is it easy to switch industries in Tulsa?
Yes. Because the economy is diverse, your analytical skills are transferable. An analyst from the energy sector can move to healthcare with some industry learning. The core skills (SQL, Python, statistics) are the same.

4. What’s the remote work scene like?
It’s growing. Many local Tulsa companies offer hybrid schedules. However, fully remote roles are less common than in coastal cities unless you work for a national company with a Tulsa office. Many Tulsa-based analysts have found remote roles with companies in Austin, Denver, or Chicago while enjoying Tulsa’s cost of living.

5. What’s the one thing I should do before moving?
Visit and drive the city. Tulsa is not a walking city. Spend a weekend exploring the neighborhoods (Brookside, Midtown, Downtown), test a commute during rush hour, and see if the vibe fits you. The cost of living is low, but the lifestyle is the ultimate test.

Data analysts, Tulsa is waiting. It’s a city where your skills are valued, your paycheck goes far, and you can build a life—not just a career. Do your homework, polish your portfolio, and take the plunge.