The Complete Career Guide for Project Managers in Tulsa, Oklahoma

If you're a project manager (PM) looking for a strategic career move, Tulsa, Oklahoma, should be on your radar. It’s a city with a low cost of living, a growing job market, and a surprising depth of career opportunities. This guide is for the pragmatic PM—the one who wants the numbers, the local insights, and a clear picture of what life looks like on the ground. We’re not selling you a vision; we’re giving you the data to make your own informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Tulsa Stands

Let’s start with the most critical number: your paycheck. The data shows that Tulsa offers a competitive salary for project managers, especially when you factor in the local cost of living.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and aggregated local data, the median salary for a Project Manager in Tulsa, OK, is $98,089 per year. This translates to an hourly rate of $47.16. For context, the national average for this role is $101,280. On the surface, Tulsa’s median is slightly below the national average, but the real story unfolds when you adjust for Tulsa’s significantly lower cost of living.

Here’s a breakdown by experience level to help you gauge where you might fit in:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Salary Range (Annual)
Entry-Level	Project Coordinator, Junior PM	$68,000 - $78,000
Mid-Career	Project Manager	$85,000 - $110,000
Senior	Senior Project Manager, Program Manager	$110,000 - $135,000
Expert	Director of PMO, Principal PM	$135,000+

Insider Tip: These ranges are averages. In Tulsa’s tight-knit professional network, your specific industry and certifications (like PMP) can push you to the higher end of these brackets. Specialized PMs in IT, healthcare, and energy often command premium salaries.

When you compare Tulsa to other major Oklahoma cities, the picture becomes clearer:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Nominal vs. Real Value
Tulsa	$98,089	89.5	High Purchasing Power
Oklahoma City	$96,500	91.0	Good
Norman	$92,300	90.5	Good
Edmond	$95,800	95.0	Moderate

While Oklahoma City’s median salary is slightly lower, its cost of living is also slightly higher, making Tulsa a financially savvy choice. Edmond, a suburb of OKC, has a higher cost of living that can eat into salary gains. For the PM seeking the best balance of salary and lifestyle, Tulsa is the clear winner in Oklahoma.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A high salary means little if your expenses eat it all. Tulsa’s affordability is its superpower. Let’s break down the monthly budget for a mid-career PM earning the median salary of $98,089.

• Gross Monthly Income: $98,089 / 12 = $8,174
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (25%): -$2,044
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,130

Now, let’s layer in typical expenses for a comfortable lifestyle:

• Average 1-BR Rent ($900/month): While this is the citywide average, we’ll use $1,100 for a nicer, centrally located apartment.
• Utilities (including internet): $200
• Groceries: $350
• Transportation (car payment, gas, insurance): $500 (Tulsa is a car-dependent city)
• Health Insurance (employer-sponsored, single): $300
• Entertainment/Dining Out: $400
• Student Loans/Other Debt: $300 (varies by individual)
• Savings/Retirement (10%): $600
• Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $3,750

Monthly Surplus: $2,380

This surplus is significant. It allows for aggressive debt repayment, robust savings, or the ability to absorb unexpected expenses. This is the kind of financial breathing room that is increasingly rare in larger coastal cities.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a median home price in Tulsa hovering around $200,000 - $230,000, a PM with this surplus can comfortably afford a mortgage. A 20% down payment ($40,000-$46,000) is achievable with disciplined saving for 18-24 months. The monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $200,000 home would likely be around $1,200 - $1,400, which is only marginally more than the rent used in this budget.

Where the Jobs Are: Tulsa's Major Employers

Tulsa’s job market is anchored by several key industries: energy, aviation, healthcare, and finance. The BLS notes around 821 active jobs for project managers in the Tulsa metro at any given time, with a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. This steady growth is driven by the expansion in healthcare and tech, not the volatile energy sector.

Here are the major local employers actively hiring project managers:

1. Saint Francis Health System & Ascension St. John: Tulsa’s healthcare sector is massive. Both systems are in constant need of PMs for facility expansions, IT system integrations (like Epic), and community health initiatives. Hiring Trend: Strong, with a focus on IT and clinical infrastructure PMs.

2. American Airlines (Maintenance & Engineering): As the home of American’s largest maintenance base, Tulsa has a deep need for PMs in aviation, logistics, and facility management. Hiring Trend: Stable, with cyclical peaks tied to fleet renewal and facility upgrades.

3. Williams Companies & ONEOK: These are giants in the energy (specifically natural gas) sector. They need PMs for pipeline projects, IT infrastructure, and corporate initiatives. Hiring Trend: Cyclical, tied to energy prices, but consistently hires for core infrastructure projects.

4. Hilti North America: A global leader in construction tech, Hilti’s North American HQ is in Tulsa. They hire PMs for software development, marketing campaigns, and supply chain projects. Hiring Trend: Growing, with a modern, tech-forward culture.

5. BOK Financial: A major regional bank headquartered in Tulsa. They need PMs for IT projects (cybersecurity, digital banking), regulatory compliance, and internal process improvements. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a recent uptick in fintech and digital transformation projects.

6. Tulsa International Airport & City of Tulsa: The airport’s ongoing modernization and the city’s infrastructure projects (like the Gathering Place and downtown revitalization) create opportunities for public-sector and construction PMs. Hiring Trend: Project-based and grant-dependent, but offers long-term stability.

Insider Tip: The Tulsa Remote program has attracted thousands of remote workers to the city, indirectly boosting the local tech and startup scene. Keep an eye on local tech hubs like 36° North for opportunities with smaller, agile companies.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma does not have a state-specific license for project managers. The industry standard is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI). This is a national credential, and it’s highly valued by Tulsa’s major employers.

• Requirements: To sit for the PMP exam, you need:
  • A four-year degree (bachelor’s or global equivalent) + 36 months of experience leading projects within the last 8 years + 35 hours of project management education.
  • OR a high school diploma or associate’s degree + 60 months of experience + 35 hours of education.
• Costs:
  • PMI Membership: ~$129/year (reduces exam fee).
  • Exam Fee (with membership): ~$405.
  • 35-Hour Training Course: $500 - $2,000 (many online options available).
  • Total Estimated Cost: $1,000 - $2,500.
• Timeline: From deciding to get certified to passing the exam typically takes 3-6 months of dedicated study and application work.

Insider Tip: Several local Tulsa companies (like Hilti and BOK) offer PMP training and exam reimbursement as a perk. Ask about this during interviews. The Tulsa Community College and the University of Tulsa also offer PMP prep courses.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Where you live in Tulsa will define your commute and lifestyle. The city is sprawled, so choosing the right neighborhood is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1-BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown / Brady District	Urban, walkable, vibrant nightlife. Easy access to many offices.	$1,200 - $1,500	Young professionals, those who want a car-optional lifestyle.
Midtown (Cherry St., 15th St.)	Historic, charming, with great restaurants and parks. 10-15 min commute to downtown.	$950 - $1,300	The quintessential Tulsa experience. Great for social PMs.
Brookside	Trendy, upscale, with upscale shopping and dining. 15-20 min commute.	$1,100 - $1,400	Those seeking a more polished, boutique neighborhood feel.
Jenks / South Tulsa	Family-friendly, excellent schools, suburban feel. 15-25 min commute.	$900 - $1,200	PMs with families or those wanting more space and quiet.
Pearl District	Up-and-coming, artsy, close to downtown. 5-10 min commute.	$850 - $1,100	Budget-conscious PMs who want urban access without the price tag.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Tulsa is generally mild, but the I-44 and I-244 corridors can get congested during rush hour. If you work in the energy corridor (near the Williams Tower), living in Midtown or Brookside offers the simplest commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Tulsa offers solid long-term prospects for PMs willing to specialize and network.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • IT/SaaS PM: Can command a 10-15% premium over the median, due to high demand in fintech (BOK) and local tech startups.
  • Construction/Engineering PM: Also in high demand for infrastructure and energy projects, with salaries often 10% above median.
  • Healthcare PM: Stable, with a 5-10% premium, driven by the massive healthcare systems.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Individual Contributor: Senior Project Manager → Principal Project Manager → Program Manager.
  2. Management Track: Project Manager → Project Management Office (PMO) Manager → Director of PMO.
  3. Vertical Move: PM in one industry (e.g., energy) → PM in another (e.g., healthcare) to build a diverse portfolio.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth rate is healthy and suggests a stable market. The biggest growth will likely be in hybrid roles—PMs who understand both technology and the core business (energy, healthcare). Continuous learning (Agile, Scaled Agile Framework) is non-negotiable. The local PMI chapter is active and a key resource for networking and professional development.

The Verdict: Is Tulsa Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Cost of Living: Your salary stretches much further.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable vehicle.
Strong, Diverse Job Market: Not reliant on one industry.	Cultural & Social Scene: Smaller than major metros; requires effort to build a network.
Manageable Commutes: No brutal hours in traffic.	Public Transit: Limited; not a viable option for daily commuting.
Growing "Remote" Ecosystem: Attracts new talent and ideas.	Extreme Weather: Tornadoes and ice storms are real considerations.
Tight-Knit Professional Network: Easier to build connections.	Limited International Flights: Usually need a connection.

Final Recommendation: Tulsa is an exceptional choice for project managers at the mid-career stage who prioritize financial health, work-life balance, and a stable, growing job market. It’s less ideal for those seeking the relentless pace of a global tech hub or a vibrant international arts scene. If you value a high quality of life, a manageable city, and the ability to truly own a home in your 30s or 40s, Tulsa is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. What is the job search like in Tulsa?
The market is relationship-driven. While online boards (LinkedIn, Indeed) are used, many jobs are filled through networking and referrals. Attend local PMI chapter meetings and events at 36° North. Tap into your existing LinkedIn network to find Tulsa-based connections.

2. How important is the PMP certification in Tulsa?
It’s not always mandatory, but it’s a significant differentiator. For roles at major employers like Hilti, BOK, and the energy companies, having your PMP often puts you in the top tier of candidates and can justify a higher salary offer.

3. Is Tulsa a good city for young professionals?
Yes, especially in Midtown, Brookside, and the Brady District. The cost of living allows for disposable income to enjoy the city's breweries, restaurants, and festivals. The social scene is growing, but you have to be proactive about joining groups and clubs.

4. What’s the biggest misconception about working in Tulsa?
That it’s a "boring" or "old-fashioned" city. While it doesn’t have the skyline of Chicago, it has a rich arts scene (Gilcrease Museum, Woody Guthrie Center), a nationally recognized food scene, and a strong sense of community. It’s a city for people who value substance over flash.

5. How do I prepare for a potential relocation?

1. Secure a job first. While the market is good, relocating without one is risky.
2. Visit for a week. Explore different neighborhoods and talk to local PMs.
3. Budget for a car. Factor in purchase/lease, insurance, and gas.
4. Connect with a local realtor early if you plan to buy. The market moves, but it’s not as frenetic as coastal cities.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Tulsa Regional Chamber, Zillow (rental data), Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) Cost of Living Index, U.S. Census Bureau (metro population), PMI Certification Handbook, Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.