Financial Analyst in Broken Arrow, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Broken Arrow Stands

As a local who’s watched this city grow from a quiet suburb into a serious economic hub, I can tell you the financial analyst role here is unique. We’re not Tulsa, but we’re not a sleepy town either. You’re looking at a median salary of $95,891/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $46.1/hour. That’s $3,119 below the national average of $99,010/year, but it buys you a lot more here than in most major metros. With a cost of living index of 89.5 (US average = 100), that salary stretches significantly further.

Here’s how pay breaks down by experience level in the Broken Arrow market. These figures are based on local job postings, BLS data for the Tulsa metro area, and conversations with hiring managers at major local employers.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities in Broken Arrow
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$65,000 - $78,000	Supporting senior analysts, data entry, basic financial modeling, working with established systems at local manufacturers or healthcare systems.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$85,000 - $105,000	Independent modeling, budgeting, forecasting for specific departments, variance analysis. This is where the median $95,891 sits.
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$110,000 - $135,000	Leading cross-functional projects, strategic planning, mentoring juniors, managing larger budgets. Often requires a CPA or CFA.
Expert/Manager (15+ yrs)	$135,000 - $160,000+	Director-level roles, FP&A leadership, significant P&L ownership, often at a regional or local headquarters.

How Broken Arrow Compares to Other OK Cities:

• Tulsa: Salaries are 5-10% higher in Tulsa proper, but the cost of living, especially downtown rent, is steeper. A $95,891 salary in Broken Arrow feels like $105,000 in Tulsa.
• Oklahoma City: OKC has more corporate HQs, pushing senior salaries higher. However, traffic and sprawl are worse. Broken Arrow offers a better work-life balance for a slight pay cut.
• Edmond/OKC Metro: Similar to OKC, with a focus on oil & gas and insurance. Broken Arrow’s manufacturing and healthcare base is more stable during energy downturns.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many local employers, especially in manufacturing and healthcare, offer strong 401(k) matches (often 4-6%) and healthcare premiums that are 20-30% lower than the national average. At a mid-level role paying $95,891, a 5% 401(k) match adds $4,795 to your compensation package—equivalent to a 5% raise.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. For a single filer earning the median $95,891, after federal taxes (approx. 22%), Social Security/Medicare (7.65%), and Oklahoma state tax (4.75%), your take-home pay is roughly $67,500 annually or $5,625 monthly.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary: $95,891)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Monthly Take-Home	$5,625	After taxes & deductions
Rent (1BR Average)	-$760	City-wide average; can be lower or higher
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Trash)	-$200	Varies by season; summer AC can be high
Groceries	-$400	Competitive with national averages
Car Payment/Insurance	-$550	Essential; public transit is limited
Health Insurance (Employer-Subsidized)	-$300	Estimated post-employer contribution
Retirement (401k, 5% of gross)	-$400	Pre-tax; critical for long-term growth
Discretionary/Entertainment	-$1,000	Dining out, hobbies, travel, savings
Total Expenses	-$3,610
Remaining for Savings/Debt	+$2,015

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. With $2,000+ in monthly savings after a comfortable budget, a down payment is within reach. The median home price in Broken Arrow is approximately $250,000. A 20% down payment is $50,000. At current mortgage rates (~6.5%), a $200,000 loan would have a monthly payment (PITI) of around $1,600-$1,700. Given the $2,015/month surplus, a financial analyst at the median salary can comfortably afford a home after 2-3 years of focused saving.

Insider Tip: Look at homes in the 74012 and 74014 zip codes. You’ll find more recent builds (2000s) with lower property taxes than the older, established neighborhoods. The Broken Arrow school district is a major draw for families, which helps with resale value.

Where the Jobs Are: Broken Arrow's Major Employers

There are approximately 239 financial analyst jobs in the Broken Arrow/Tulsa metro area. The hiring is steady, with a 9% 10-year job growth projected. This is driven by our robust manufacturing and healthcare sectors, not oil & gas speculation.

1. American Airlines (Maintenance & Engineering Hub): Located at Tulsa International Airport (a 15-minute commute from Broken Arrow). They employ a large team of financial analysts for their massive M&E (Maintenance & Engineering) division. Hiring is cyclical but consistent, focused on budgeting for multi-million dollar aircraft parts and labor.

2. Saint Francis Hospital System: The Saint Francis hospital in Broken Arrow is a major employer. They need analysts for revenue cycle, departmental budgeting (ER, surgical), and capital expenditure planning for new equipment. Healthcare is recession-proof, making these roles very stable.

3. NORDAM: A global aerospace manufacturing company headquartered in Tulsa with significant operations in the area. Their finance team supports complex manufacturing contracts. This is a great spot for analysts with an interest in cost accounting and project finance.

4. Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (In邻近 State): While not in Broken Arrow, this massive plant in Huntsville, AL, is a major recruiter from the Tulsa metro. Many Broken Arrow residents commute or relocate for these high-paying roles, which often start well above the local median.

5. City of Broken Arrow Finance Department: Local government jobs are stable, with good benefits. The city’s finance department handles everything from utility billing to capital project funding. The pace is slower than corporate, but the work-life balance is unbeatable.

6. BOK Financial: A major regional bank headquartered in Tulsa. They have branches throughout Broken Arrow and hire for corporate finance, commercial lending analysis, and wealth management support roles.

Hiring Trends: The most active hiring right now is in healthcare (Saint Francis) and aerospace manufacturing (NORDAM, American Airlines). Roles are more focused on operational finance and cost control than pure investment analysis. Knowing ERP systems like SAP or Oracle is a huge plus.

Getting Licensed in OK

For most financial analyst roles, a license isn’t required. However, if you’re moving into corporate finance leadership, wealth management, or accounting, you’ll want credentials.

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): The Oklahoma Accountancy Board requires 150 semester hours of education (a bachelor’s + 30 extra credits) and passing the 4-part Uniform CPA Exam. You must also have 2,000 hours of supervised experience.

  • Cost: Exam fees ($1,500), review course ($1,500-$3,000), application/licensing fees ($200). Total: $3,200 - $4,700.
  • Timeline: 12-18 months to complete if you start with the educational requirements met.
  • Insider Tip: The University of Tulsa and Oklahoma State University-Tulsa offer excellent, affordable CPA prep programs. Many local firms will subsidize this cost.

• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): For investment-focused roles. Requires passing three levels of exams and relevant work experience. Not as common in Broken Arrow’s manufacturing/healthcare base but valued at BOK Financial or if you work remotely for an investment firm.

  • Cost: ~$3,000+ for all exam levels.
  • Timeline: Minimum 2.5-3 years to complete all three levels.

Actionable First Step: If you don’t have these credentials, your first move should be to apply for jobs that offer tuition reimbursement for the extra 30 credits needed for a CPA. It’s a common benefit at larger local employers.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Broken Arrow is spread out. Your commute to a major employer (like Saint Francis or American Airlines) matters. Here’s the breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Rose District (Downtown BA)	Walkable, historic, cafes, boutiques. 10-15 min to most employers.	$850 - $950	Young professionals who want walkability and a social scene.
Aspen Creek / Stone Bluff	Newer suburban homes, excellent schools, family-oriented. 15-20 min commute.	$750 - $850	Analysts looking to buy a home soon, prioritize schools and quiet.
The Highlands / Broken Arrow Hills	Established, wooded lots, larger homes. 10-15 min commute.	$700 - $800	Those seeking space, mature trees, and a classic suburban feel.
Eastside (near 101st & 145th)	Affordable, mix of older and new homes. Direct access to Hwy 51. 15-25 min commute.	$650 - $750	Budget-conscious buyers and renters wanting easy highway access.
Sienna Park / Garnett	Close to Tulsa city limits, newer apartments. 20-30 min commute to central BA.	$800 - $950	Those who want proximity to Tulsa amenities but BA taxes/schools.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate area around the Rose District if you value quiet. The weekend events are fun, but the noise can be a factor. For a serene lifestyle with a quick commute, Aspen Creek is the sweet spot.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 9% 10-year job growth is solid, but maximizing your earning potential requires strategy.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Manufacturing Cost Analysis: Analysts with SAP/Oracle ERP experience and a CPA can command a 15-20% premium over the median. NORDAM and American Airlines pay for this expertise.
  • Healthcare Revenue Cycle: Understanding patient billing, DRG codes, and value-based care models is niche and in high demand at Saint Francis. Expect a 10-15% premium.
  • FP&A Leadership: Moving from a single company’s analyst to a manager overseeing multiple business units is the fastest path to a $130,000+ salary.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Analyst → Senior Analyst: Master your company’s financial systems and take on a project leadership role (e.g., annual budget).
  2. Senior Analyst → Manager: Develop people management skills. Get involved in cross-departmental committees.
  3. Manager → Director/Controller: This is where the CPA or CFA becomes critical. It’s also where you may need to consider moving to a larger firm in Tulsa or OKC, or securing a regional HQ role locally.

• 10-Year Outlook: The local economy is diversifying away from oil & gas. The stable, long-term growth is in aerospace, healthcare, and logistics. A financial analyst who builds expertise in these sectors will see strong job security and salary growth. The rise of remote work also means you can work for a Tulsa or national company while living in Broken Arrow’s affordable housing market, effectively boosting your take-home pay.

The Verdict: Is Broken Arrow Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: A $95,891 salary feels like $115k+ in many cities.	Limited High-End Roles: Fewer very senior (VP/Director) finance roles than OKC or Tulsa. You may need to commute.
Stable Job Market: Healthcare and aerospace provide recession-resilient employment.	Cultural Scene is Modest: Fewer museums, concerts, and culinary options than a major metro.
Excellent for Families: Top-rated public schools, safe neighborhoods, low crime.	Car Dependency: You must drive everywhere. Public transit is not viable.
Short, Easy Commutes: 15 minutes is a long commute here. More time for life.	Political/Religious Culture: Socially conservative; may not suit everyone’s lifestyle.
Proximity to Tulsa: You get BA’s affordability with Tulsa’s amenities (30 min away).	Summers are Brutally Hot & Humid: From June to August, outdoor activity is limited to early mornings.

Final Recommendation:
Broken Arrow is an excellent choice for financial analysts at the mid-career stage (5-15 years) who prioritize financial stability, homeownership, and family life over a fast-paced, high-prestige urban career. It’s less ideal for a 25-year-old seeking a vibrant nightlife scene or for a VP-level finance professional at the top of their field. For the analyst earning $95,891, you’ll live very comfortably, build wealth through home equity, and have a low-stress daily life. The 9% job growth and $239 active jobs suggest you’ll have options, especially if you’re in healthcare or manufacturing finance.

FAQs

1. Is the salary of $95,891 enough to live comfortably in Broken Arrow?
Yes, absolutely. After taxes and a comfortable budget including rent, utilities, and a car, you can save over $2,000 per month. This level of disposable income allows for a good lifestyle and aggressive savings for a home down payment.

2. What’s the commute like from Broken Arrow to Tulsa?
Direct and straightforward. Using US-64/Hwy 51, the drive to downtown Tulsa is 20-30 minutes without traffic. To the Tulsa International Airport (for American Airlines jobs), it’s 15-20 minutes. Traffic is minimal compared to other metros.

3. How competitive are the financial analyst jobs in Broken Arrow?
Moderately competitive. The key is tailoring your resume to the local industries. Highlight experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), cost accounting, and healthcare revenue cycle if applicable. For every 10 applicants, maybe 2-3 have the specific technical skills needed.

4. Do I need a car in Broken Arrow?
Yes, 100%. There is no functional public transportation system for a daily commute. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) exists but is unreliable and expensive for regular use. Budget for a reliable car and insurance.

5. What’s the best way to network as a new financial analyst in the area?
Join the Tulsa Chapter of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) or the Oklahoma Society of CPAs (OSCPA). Attend the monthly networking events in Tulsa. Also, get involved with the Cherokee Nation Businesses or Indian Nation Wholesale events if you have an interest in tribal enterprise—a huge part of the local economy. Most importantly, connect with alumni from your university who work at NORDAM, American Airlines, or Saint Francis on LinkedIn. A local introduction goes a long way.