Registered Nurse in Oklahoma City, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Oklahoma City Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Oklahoma City offers a solid financial proposition for Registered Nurses, especially when you factor in our lower cost of living. The median salary for an RN in the metro area is $83,746/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.26. While this is slightly below the national average of $86,070/year, the gap is minimal. The real advantage becomes clear when you compare it to the cost of living index, which sits at 91.0 (US avg = 100). Essentially, your paycheck goes about 9% further here than it would in an average American city.

Job availability is robust. The metro area currently supports 6,323 nursing jobs, with a projected 10-year job growth of 6%. This growth isn't explosive, but it's stable and reliable, reflecting the consistent demand in a major medical hub like Oklahoma City.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries scale predictably with experience. Here’s how your earnings potential typically breaks down in the OKC market:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$68,000 - $78,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$78,000 - $90,000
Senior	8-15 years	$90,000 - $105,000
Expert/Specialized	15+ years, advanced certs	$105,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local market data and the provided median salary.

Comparison to Other Oklahoma Cities

For context, here’s how OKC stacks up against other major Oklahoma cities, based on regional BLS data and local market trends:

City	Median RN Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)
Oklahoma City Metro	$83,746	91.0
Tulsa Metro	$82,100	90.5
Norman (part of OKC metro)	~$80,500	91.2
Lawton	$77,800	84.8

Oklahoma City offers the highest median salary in the state, paired with a cost of living that's only marginally higher than Tulsa's. The key takeaway: OKC provides the best earning potential in Oklahoma, with a financial comfort that’s hard to beat.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground these numbers in reality. The median RN salary of $83,746/year is your gross income. To understand your actual purchasing power, we need to look at taxes and major expenses.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay:
For a single filer with no dependents, claiming the standard deduction, your estimated monthly take-home pay after federal and Oklahoma state taxes (approx. 22-25% effective rate) would be roughly $5,200 - $5,400. This is a conservative estimate; actual take-home will vary based on your specific deductions.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:
Here’s a realistic monthly budget for an RN earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	~$5,300	After taxes, insurance, 401(k)
Rent (1BR Average)	$884	Citywide average
Utilities	$200 - $250	Electric, water, gas, internet
Groceries	$350 - $450
Car Payment/Insurance	$450 - $600	Highly variable
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	Employer-subsidized
Miscellaneous	$300 - $500	Entertainment, dining, personal care
Remaining for Savings/Debt	~$1,000 - $1,500	This is the key.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. With an estimated $1,000+ in monthly savings, a down payment is achievable within 2-3 years of disciplined saving (assuming a $20k-$30k down payment). With a median home price in Oklahoma City around $250,000, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely fall between $1,400 - $1,800. This is feasible on a median RN salary, especially if you have a dual-income household. The local real estate market is more accessible here than in many other US metros.

Where the Jobs Are: Oklahoma City's Major Employers

The healthcare landscape in OKC is dominated by a few large systems, with plenty of opportunities in specialty clinics and community hospitals. Hiring is steady, but competition can be fierce for desirable units (like ICU, OR, or Labor & Delivery) at top-tier hospitals.

1. INTEGRIS Health: The state's largest non-profit health system. INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center is a flagship hospital. They are a major employer with frequent openings, especially in their growing specialty care centers. Insider Tip: INTEGRIS is known for strong internal transfer opportunities once you're in the system.
2. OU Health: The University of Oklahoma's academic medical center. This is the top-tier, Level I trauma center and the primary teaching hospital. Jobs here are highly competitive but offer unparalleled experience and specialized training. They frequently hire for their busy ER, PICU, and NICU.
3. SSM Health: Another major system with St. Anthony and other community hospitals. SSM emphasizes faith-based care and community outreach. They have a strong presence in the southside and are often expanding services in growing suburbs like Moore and Yukon.
4. VA Medical Center (Oklahoma City): A significant federal employer offering excellent benefits and job security. The VA is a large facility with diverse patient populations. Hiring timelines can be longer due to the federal process, but the benefits package is hard to beat.
5. Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City: Part of the larger Mercy health system, this hospital is known for its strong cardiac and stroke programs. Located in the central part of the city, it's a prime employer for those seeking a mid-size hospital feel.
6. Local Clinics & Specialty Practices: Beyond large hospitals, there's a thriving ecosystem of private practices. Major employers include Oklahoma Heart Hospital (a specialty hospital), Cancer Treatment Centers of America (now part of City of Hope), and numerous orthopedic, ophthalmology, and primary care groups. These often offer more regular hours and a different pace.

Hiring Trends: OU Health and INTEGRIS are consistently the largest hirers. There's growing demand for nurses in outpatient settings, long-term care, and home health as the population ages. Night shifts and weekend differentials are standard across all systems.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma is a compact state (NLC), meaning if you hold a license from another NLC state, you can practice here without a new license. For everyone else, here’s the process:

1. NCLEX-RN Exam: You must pass the National Council Licensure Examination. The application fee is approximately $200.
2. Application to Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN): Submit your application online through the OBN website. The application fee is $85. You will need to provide official transcripts from an accredited nursing program.
3. Fingerprinting & Background Check: Costs about $50. This is mandatory.
4. Timeline: From submitting your complete application to receiving your license, it typically takes 4-8 weeks. If you're an applicant from a non-compact state, the process can be longer. Insider Tip: Apply for your Oklahoma license before you move and secure a job. Many hospitals will not hire you until you have a permanent Oklahoma license in hand.
5. Total Estimated Cost: $335 - $350 (excluding NCLEX prep courses, which can add another $300-$1000).

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Where you live in OKC will dramatically affect your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of four top neighborhoods for nurses, considering proximity to major hospitals.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Proximity to Hospitals	1BR Rent Estimate
Midtown/Downtown	Urban, walkable, vibrant nightlife. Short commute (5-15 min) to INTEGRIS Baptist, OU Health, SSM St. Anthony.	Excellent (All major hospitals are within 2 miles)	$1,000 - $1,400
Nichols Hills/The Village	Upscale, quiet, established. Close to INTEGRIS Baptist and OKC Children's. Commute: 10-20 min.	Very Good	$900 - $1,200
South OKC (Moore/SW OKC)	Family-oriented, suburban, more affordable. Good access to SSM Health Moore and INTEGRIS Southwest. Commute: 15-30 min.	Good (SSM Moore is here)	$800 - $1,000
Edmond	Suburban, top-rated schools, very safe. Commute to central hospitals is 20-35 min. Ideal for those prioritizing family life.	Good (VA Hospital is in NE Edmond; others are a drive)	$900 - $1,100

Insider Tip: For new grads trying to land a job at OU Health or INTEGRIS Baptist, living in Midtown or the Plaza District gives you the shortest commute and puts you in the heart of the city's social scene. If you're looking to buy a home, The Village and South OKC offer excellent value.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% 10-year job growth is a solid foundation, but your career trajectory depends on specialization and advanced education.

• Specialty Premiums: In OKC, nurses with certifications in high-demand areas see significant pay bumps. Expect a 5-15% premium for certifications like:
  • Critical Care (CCRN): ICU, CVICU, PICU.
  • Oncology (OCN): OU Health's Stephenson Cancer Center is a major employer.
  • Labor & Delivery (RNC-OB): Always in demand, especially at INTEGRIS Baptist and Mercy.
  • Emergency (CEN): At OU Health's Level I Trauma Center.
• Advancement Paths: The most common paths are:
  1. Charge Nurse/Super Nurse: A slight bump in pay for leadership on your unit.
  2. Nurse Practitioner (NP): Requires a Master's degree. NPs in OKC can earn $110,000 - $130,000+. OU and OCU have excellent NP programs.
  3. Clinical Nurse Educator/Manager: Moving into administration or education.
  4. Travel Nursing: Oklahoma City is a popular assignment location due to its cost of living. Travel RNs can see weekly pay of $2,000 - $2,800+, but this is typically a short-term (13-week) contract.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will be driven by an aging population and retirement of the current nursing workforce. The growth is stable, not explosive, meaning job security is high. The biggest opportunity for salary growth is through graduate education (NP, CRNA) or specializing in a high-acuity field. Insider Tip: Get your BSN if you have an ADN. Most major systems in OKC, especially OU Health, strongly prefer or require a BSN for new hires.

The Verdict: Is Oklahoma City Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $83,746 salary goes much further here than in coastal cities.	Lower Unadjusted Salary: Slightly below the national average, though the CoL adjustment closes the gap.
Strong Job Market: 6,323 jobs and steady 6% growth provide stability.	Traffic & Sprawl: The city is geographically large; commutes can be long if you choose the wrong neighborhood.
Diverse Employers: Options from major academic centers (OU Health) to community hospitals (INTEGRIS, SSM).	Limited Public Transit: You will need a reliable car.
No Traffic Compared to Major Metros: Rush hour is manageable compared to cities like Dallas or Houston.	Conservative Culture: The social and political landscape may not suit everyone.
Strong Sense of Community: OKC has grown up; it's a friendly, welcoming city with a booming food and arts scene.	Weather: Summers are very hot and humid; tornadoes are a real concern in spring.

Final Recommendation:
Oklahoma City is an outstanding choice for nurses, especially those early in their careers, those looking to buy a home, or anyone seeking a lower-stress, high-quality-of-life environment without sacrificing career opportunities. The combination of a median salary of $83,746 and a cost of living index of 91.0 is powerful. It’s not the city for someone seeking the highest possible unadjusted salary in a fast-paced, coastal hub. But for the vast majority of working nurses, OKC offers a compelling package of financial stability, career growth, and livability.

FAQs

Q: I'm a new grad. Can I get a job in a competitive unit like ICU or the ER?
A: It's challenging but not impossible. Your best chances are with the largest systems (INTEGRIS, OU Health) that have structured nurse residency programs. Getting your BSN and any relevant pre-licensure experience (like being a tech) is key. Be flexible with shift (nights/weekends) to get your foot in the door.

Q: Is the cost of living really as low as the index suggests?
A: Yes, especially for housing. The $884/month average for a 1BR is accurate. You can find nice apartments in safe, central neighborhoods for that price. Groceries, utilities, and entertainment are also notably cheaper than national averages.

Q: How long does it take to get a job offer after applying?
A: The process can vary widely. For large hospital systems, expect an application to offer timeline of 3-6 weeks. This includes HR screening, interviews (often 2-3 rounds), and credential verification. Smaller clinics may move faster. Insider Tip: Apply to multiple positions at once to increase your chances.

Q: What's the weather like, and how does it affect the job?
A: Summers (June-August) are consistently hot (90°F+) and humid. Winters are generally mild but can have ice storms that shut down the city. Spring brings severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Hospitals remain open during all weather, but commutes can be dangerous. Ensure you have a reliable car with good tires.

Q: I'm an experienced nurse. Is it worth moving to OKC for a better salary?
A: If you're coming from a high-cost-of-living area (like California, New York, or the Pacific Northwest), the math will be in your favor. Even if your salary drops slightly to the $90,000 - $105,000 range for senior nurses, your purchasing power will likely increase dramatically due to the low housing costs. Run the numbers for your specific situation, but for most, it's a financially savvy move.