Registered Nurse in Tulsa, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Tulsa Stands

As a long-time Tulsan who’s watched the healthcare landscape evolve, I can tell you straight: nursing here is a solid bet. The data backs it up. The median salary for a Registered Nurse in Tulsa is $83,358/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.08/hour. That’s a respectable wage in a city where the cost of living is your friend. To put it in perspective, Tulsa’s nurses earn slightly less than the national average of $86,070/year, but remember, our cost of living is roughly 10.5% lower than the national average. That gap closes quickly when you’re paying less for housing and groceries.

The job market is robust. The Tulsa metropolitan area has 3,698 jobs for Registered Nurses, a healthy number for a mid-sized metro. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, which isn't explosive, but it’s steady and stable. It means you’re not chasing fads; you’re entering a field with consistent demand.

Let’s break this down further. While I don’t have employer-specific data, here’s a realistic progression based on local market trends, national benchmarks adjusted for Tulsa’s market, and conversations with local nurse managers.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Tulsa Estimate)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$68,000 - $75,000	Med-Surg, Telemetry, providing direct patient care, learning hospital systems.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$80,000 - $92,000	Specializing in areas like ICU, ER, or OR; charge nurse duties; precepting new nurses.
Senior (8-15 years)	$90,000 - $105,000+	Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Unit Manager; leading quality improvement projects.
Expert/Leadership (15+ years)	$100,000 - $125,000+	Director of Nursing, Nurse Practitioner (requires additional degree), Chief Nursing Officer.

Compared to Other OK Cities:

• Oklahoma City: Salaries are slightly higher (by ~3-5%), but the metro population is larger and traffic congestion is a real factor. Rent in OKC is also about 10-15% higher.
• Norman: Home to OU Health, which can offer competitive academic salaries, but the job market is smaller. A great option if you want a college-town vibe.
• Broken Arrow/Claremore: Suburban markets often have salaries on par with Tulsa metro, but with fewer hospital system choices.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many Tulsa hospitals, especially St. Francis and Ascension, offer significant shift differentials ($3-$5/hour for nights/weekends) and tuition reimbursement, which can boost your take-home pay and long-term earnings dramatically.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. The numbers above are gross; what you actually keep matters. Using the median salary of $83,358/year (or about $6,946/month), here’s a practical monthly breakdown for a single RN in Tulsa.

Assumptions: Using federal tax estimates (single filer, standard deduction), Oklahoma state tax (~4.75%), and FICA. This is an estimate; your actual take-home will vary.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$6,946	Before any deductions.
Taxes & Deductions (Est. 25%)	-$1,736	Federal, State, FICA.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$5,210	This is your starting point.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	-$900	City average. High-end is ~$1,100, low-end is ~$750.
Utilities	-$200	Electricity, water, gas, internet.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	Highly variable. Tulsa is car-dependent.
Gas & Maintenance	-$150	Average commute is 20 mins.
Groceries	-$400	For one person.
Health Insurance (if employer doesn't cover 100%)	-$200	Varies by employer plan.
Retirement Savings (401k, 10%)	-$694	Crucial for long-term growth.
Miscellaneous / Discretionary	-$1,616	Entertainment, dining out, shopping, savings.

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Tulsa is around $215,000 (as of early 2024). With a $5,210 monthly take-home, and a monthly housing budget of ~$1,500 (including mortgage, insurance, taxes), you could comfortably afford a starter home. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% on a $200,000 home is roughly $1,265/month (PITI). This leaves you significant room in your budget. Many nurses in Tulsa own homes, often in neighborhoods like Brookside or midtown.

Insider Tip: Tulsa has a "Tulsa Remote" program for remote workers, but if you're a nurse moving here, you're not eligible. However, the city's affordability works in your favor. Look into local credit unions like Tulsa Federal Credit Union for mortgage rates; they often have better terms for locals than big national banks.

Where the Jobs Are: Tulsa's Major Employers

Tulsa’s healthcare scene is dominated by a few major systems, with a growing network of community clinics and specialty practices. Here’s where the 3,698 jobs are concentrated:

1. Saint Francis Health System: The largest private employer in Oklahoma. Their main hospital is a Level I Trauma Center. They are constantly expanding, especially in their south Tulsa and Muskogee locations. Hiring Trend: High demand for ICU, ER, OR, and Med-Surg nurses. They have a strong new grad residency program.
2. Ascension St. John: Another major player, with a flagship hospital in midtown Tulsa. They focus heavily on cardiac and cancer care. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a need for specialty nurses in their cardiac and stroke centers. They offer competitive benefits and have a unionized workforce in some units.
3. OSU Medicine (Oral Roberts University): A teaching hospital with a strong focus on faith-based care and graduate medical education. Hiring Trend: Good for nurses interested in academia or working with residents. They often hire for med-surg and telemetry units.
4. INTEGRIS Health: Has a growing presence in the Tulsa metro, particularly in the southern suburbs (like Bixby). Their facilities are modern and they emphasize patient experience. Hiring Trend: Actively hiring for their new and expanding facilities, especially in Bixby and South Tulsa.
5. VA Medical Center (Oklahoma City VA Healthcare System - Tulsa Outpatient Clinic): While the main VA hospital is in OKC, the Tulsa outpatient clinic and VA community care partnerships offer federal jobs. Hiring Trend: Federal jobs are competitive but offer excellent benefits and job security. They hire for RN positions in community-based primary care and specialty clinics.
6. Community Health Centers (e.g., Morton Comprehensive Health Services): These are critical for primary care in underserved areas. Hiring Trend: Growing need for nurses in community/public health, especially with the focus on value-based care.

Insider Tip: The job market here is less about cold applications and more about networking. Attend events hosted by the Tulsa Nurses Association or the Oklahoma Nurses Association. Many positions, especially in specialty units, are filled through internal referrals long before they hit a public job board.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma is a compact state (Member of the Nurse Licensure Compact - NLC). This is a huge advantage.

• If you hold a multi-state license from another NLC state (e.g., Texas, Missouri, Arkansas): You can practice in Tulsa immediately. You just need to notify the Oklahoma Board of Nursing of your new Oklahoma address. It’s a simple online form.
• If you are a single-state licensee from a non-compact state or an international nurse: You must apply for an Oklahoma license by examination or endorsement.
  • Process: Submit an application to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing, provide official transcripts from your nursing program, pass the NCLEX (if by exam), and complete a background check.
  • Costs: Application fee is $100, NCLEX registration is $200 (paid to Pearson VUE), and fingerprinting is ~$50. Total: ~$350.
  • Timeline: The process can take 6-10 weeks from application submission to receiving your license. Start early!

Insider Tip: For international nurses, the process is more complex and involves credential evaluation (CGFNS) and potentially additional English proficiency exams. Partner with a local agency like CGFNS International or seek guidance from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing directly.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Tulsa’s neighborhoods are distinct. Your choice depends on your commute, lifestyle, and where you work.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Proximity to Major Hospitals	Average 1BR Rent
Brookside	Upscale, walkable, vibrant nightlife and dining. The "young professional" hub.	10-15 mins to St. Francis & St. John.	$1,000 - $1,300
Midtown / Cherry Street	Historic, charming, tree-lined streets. Quaint shops, cafes, and a strong sense of community.	10 mins to St. John, 15 to St. Francis.	$950 - $1,200
South Tulsa (Bixby/Jenks)	Suburban, family-friendly, top-rated schools. Newer developments, big-box stores.	15-25 mins to most hospitals, but growing INTEGRIS presence.	$900 - $1,100
Downtown	Urban core, revitalizing, lofts and apartments. Walkable to the BOK Center and Gathering Place.	15 mins to St. Francis, 10 mins to St. John.	$1,000 - $1,400
Tulsa Hills (West)	More relaxed, affordable, easy access to highway. Less walkable, more strip malls.	20-30 mins to major hospitals.	$750 - $900

Insider Tip: If you work night shift, your commute is less about traffic and more about safety. Brookside and Midtown are well-lit and active, even late at night. South Tulsa can feel very quiet after 10 PM. Always test-drive a neighborhood at night before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Tulsa offers solid pathways for advancement, though it’s not a megalopolis like Houston. Your growth will be tied to specialization and further education.

• Specialty Premiums: While not always in base salary, specialties command higher per-diem rates and signing bonuses. ICU, ER, OR, and L&D nurses can expect to be at the top of the pay scale. Certifications (CCRN, CEN, CPAN) are highly valued and can add $2,000-$5,000 in annual salary or bonuses.
• Advanced Practice Roles: To become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), you’ll need a Master’s or DNP. Tulsa has excellent programs at the University of Tulsa, Oral Roberts University, and Oklahoma State University-Tulsa. An NP in Tulsa can earn $110,000 - $130,000+, depending on specialty (e.g., Psychiatric-Mental Health NPs are in high demand).
• Leadership & Education: Moving into management (Charge Nurse, Unit Manager) or education (Nurse Educator, Clinical Instructor) typically requires a BSN (if you have an ADN) and often a Master’s. St. Francis and St. John have robust internal leadership development programs.

10-Year Outlook (2024-2034):
With the 6% job growth and an aging population, demand will remain strong. The key trends to watch are:

1. Telehealth Expansion: Tulsa’s hospitals are investing in virtual care. Nurses with tech-savvy skills will have an edge.
2. Mental Health Crisis: Oklahoma has a severe shortage of mental health providers. Nurses with a PMHNP or experience in behavioral health will see immense opportunity and higher premiums.
3. Hospital Consolidation: As systems merge (like the recent growth of INTEGRIS), there may be more emphasis on system-wide protocols and travel nursing within the system.

Insider Tip: The Oklahoma Nurses Association is a powerful resource for advocacy, continuing education, and networking. Joining early can open doors to policy work and leadership roles you won’t find on a hospital website.

The Verdict: Is Tulsa Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordability: $83,358 goes a long way here. Homeownership is very attainable.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable car. Public transit is limited.
Strong Job Market: 3,698 jobs with steady 6% growth means stability.	Limited International/High-Tech Specialties: You won’t find the ultra-niche research hospitals of Boston or Houston.
Compact State License: Easy to move if you’re already licensed in another NLC state.	State Politics: Oklahoma’s political landscape (e.g., healthcare funding, education) can be challenging.
Quality of Life: World-class park (Gathering Place), growing arts scene, manageable traffic.	Summers: It gets hot and humid (90°F+). Air conditioning is a necessity.
Friendly, Community-Oriented Culture: Easier to build a personal network than in larger cities.	Limited Walkability: Outside of a few core neighborhoods, you’re driving everywhere.

Final Recommendation: Tulsa is an excellent choice for nurses who value financial stability, a high quality of life, and a community feel. If you’re early in your career and want to own a home within a few years, or a mid-career nurse looking to specialize without the cost-of-living pressure of a coastal city, Tulsa is a standout. It’s less ideal for those seeking the relentless pace and cutting-edge research of a top-10 metro. For most, the balance of pay, affordability, and community makes Tulsa a winner.

FAQs

1. Is Tulsa a good city for new graduate nurses?
Yes. Major hospitals like Saint Francis have structured new graduate residency programs that provide 12-24 weeks of supervised training. This is critical for transitioning from school to practice. The lower cost of living also eases financial pressure while you’re starting out.

2. How bad is the traffic really?
Compared to cities like Dallas or LA, it’s minimal. Rush hour (7-8:30 AM and 4:30-6 PM) on highways like I-244, I-44, and US-64 can be slow, but you’re rarely sitting still for long. Your commute will be 15-30 minutes in most cases. Insider Tip: Live on the same side of the river as your hospital. Crossing the Arkansas River (I-244 or 11th St.) can add 10-15 minutes during peak times.

3. What’s the weather like for someone not used to Oklahoma?
You’ll experience all four seasons. Summers are hot and humid (can be 100°F+), so you’ll need good AC. Winters are mild but can have ice storms. Spring and fall are beautiful but tornado season (April-June) is a reality. Your apartment/house should have a storm shelter or access to one. Pro Tip: Most local hospitals have generators and severe weather protocols, so your job is safe.

4. Can I commute from a nearby suburb like Claremore or Owasso?
Absolutely. These suburbs are popular with healthcare workers. Claremore (20-30 mins to downtown) has a small-town feel and lower housing costs. Owasso (25-35 mins north) is a booming suburb with great schools. The trade-off is a longer, mostly highway commute. If you work night shift, it’s very manageable.

5. How do I find housing as a new transplant?
Use Zillow and Apartments.com for rentals, but also check local Facebook groups like "Tulsa Housing" or "Tulsa Roommates." For a more personal touch, contact local apartment locators (they’re free for renters). If buying, connect with a realtor who specializes in the neighborhoods you’re considering—Brookside and Midtown move fast.