Software Developer in Oklahoma City, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Oklahoma City Stands

As a local who's watched the tech scene evolve from a handful of startups in Bricktown to a more diverse ecosystem, I can tell you the numbers tell a compelling story. For Software Developers, Oklahoma City offers a strong value proposition—particularly when you factor in the low cost of living. The median salary for a Software Developer here is $123,823 per year, with an hourly rate of $59.53. While this is slightly below the national average of $127,260, it’s important to view this in context: the metro area supports 4,215 jobs for this role, and the 10-year job growth is projected at a solid 17%.

This growth is fueled by a mix of sectors: energy (which has a massive tech footprint), healthcare, and a growing number of fintech and SaaS startups. The local market isn't as hyper-competitive as Austin or Denver, which can mean less pressure during interviews and potentially more autonomy in your role.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level, based on aggregated local data and industry trends:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range (OKC)
Entry-Level	0–2	$75,000 – $95,000
Mid-Level	3–6	$105,000 – $135,000
Senior	7–10	$135,000 – $165,000
Expert/Lead	10+	$165,000 – $200,000+

Insider Tip: The ceiling for expert-level developers in OKC can be high, especially at large local employers like Paycom or in specialized roles (e.g., cloud architecture, cybersecurity). However, the floor for entry-level roles is competitive with the region, not the nation.

Comparison to Other Oklahoma Cities

Oklahoma City is the state's tech hub, but it's wise to know how it stacks up against others. Tulsa, the state's second-largest city, has a burgeoning tech scene centered around its "Tulsa Remote" program, which incentivizes remote workers to move there. Salaries are generally comparable, but the job volume is lower. Smaller metros like Norman (home to the University of Oklahoma) have a niche in defense and academic tech but fewer pure software development roles.

City	Median Salary (Software Developer)	Key Local Employers	Vibe
Oklahoma City	$123,823	Paycom, Devon Energy, Love's, Integris Health	Established, growing, diverse
Tulsa	~$120,000	American Airlines, BOK Financial, numerous startups	Innovative, community-focused
Norman	~$110,000	University of OK, FAA, smaller defense contractors	Academic, smaller scale

For most developers seeking a blend of opportunity and affordability, Oklahoma City is the clear winner in-state.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. The median salary of $123,823 translates to a monthly gross income of approximately $10,319. Oklahoma has a progressive state income tax (ranging from 0.5% to 4.75%), and federal taxes apply. A rough estimate for a single filer with no dependents would be about 22-25% total effective tax rate. After estimated taxes, your take-home pay is likely around $7,740 to $7,850 per month.

The average 1-bedroom rent in Oklahoma City is $884/month. However, this varies significantly by neighborhood (more on that later). Let’s build a sample monthly budget for a mid-level developer earning the median salary.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$7,800	After taxes & deductions
Rent (1BR, Mid-Range)	$900 – $1,150	Varies by location
Utilities	$150 – $200	Electricity, gas, internet, water
Car Payment/Gas	$400 – $600	Essential; public transit is limited
Groceries	$350 – $500
Health Insurance	$200 – $400	Employer-sponsored plans are common
Dining/Entertainment	$300 – $500	OKC has a growing food scene
Savings/Investments	$2,000 – $3,000	Highly feasible at this income level
Miscellaneous	$300	Subscriptions, personal care, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a 10% down payment on a median-priced home in OKC (approx. $320,000), your monthly mortgage (PITI) would be around $2,000-$2,200. With a take-home of ~$7,800, your housing cost would be under 30% of your income, which is a very healthy ratio. Many developers in their late 20s and 30s are buying homes in neighborhoods like Midtown or the Paseo Arts District.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. The median salary of $123,823 translates to a monthly gross income of approximately $10,319. Oklahoma has a progressive state income tax (ranging from 0.5% to 4.75%), and federal taxes apply. A rough estimate for a single filer with no dependents would be about 22-25% total effective tax rate. After estimated taxes, your take-home pay is likely around $7,740 to $7,850 per month.

The average 1-bedroom rent in Oklahoma City is $884/month. However, this varies significantly by neighborhood (more on that later). Let’s build a sample monthly budget for a mid-level developer earning the median salary.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$7,800	After taxes & deductions
Rent (1BR, Mid-Range)	$900 – $1,150	Varies by location
Utilities	$150 – $200	Electricity, gas, internet, water
Car Payment/Gas	$400 – $600	Essential; public transit is limited
Groceries	$350 – $500
Health Insurance	$200 – $400	Employer-sponsored plans are common
Dining/Entertainment	$300 – $500	OKC has a growing food scene
Savings/Investments	$2,000 – $3,000	Highly feasible at this income level
Miscellaneous	$300	Subscriptions, personal care, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a 10% down payment on a median-priced home in OKC (approx. $320,000), your monthly mortgage (PITI) would be around $2,000-$2,200. With a take-home of ~$7,800, your housing cost would be under 30% of your income, which is a very healthy ratio. Many developers in their late 20s and 30s are buying homes in neighborhoods like Midtown or the Paseo Arts District.

Where the Jobs Are: Oklahoma City's Major Employers

The job market is robust, anchored by large corporations and a growing startup scene. Here are the key players:

1. Paycom: Based in OKC, this is a major SaaS payroll and HR tech company. They are consistently one of the largest local tech employers, hiring for a wide range of development roles. Insider Tip: They have a strong in-office culture and a reputation for high performance.
2. Devon Energy: A major player in the oil & gas industry, their corporate headquarters in downtown OKC employs a large team of software developers for everything from data analytics to internal applications. Energy tech is a stable, high-paying sector here.
3. Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores: While known for truck stops, their corporate HQ in OKC has a significant tech team focused on logistics, mobile apps, and enterprise systems. They offer great stability.
4. Integris Health: As one of the state's largest health systems, Integris is constantly hiring developers for electronic health record (EHR) systems, patient portals, and data security. Healthcare tech is a major niche.
5. American Fidelity Assurance Company: A large, stable insurance and financial services company with a modern tech stack. They invest heavily in their internal IT and software development teams.
6. FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center: Located in nearby Norman (a short commute), this is a major federal facility for aviation tech, offering unique, high-security development roles.
7. Local Startups & Scale-Ups: Keep an eye on the Oklahoma City Innovation District and the 39th Street corridor. Companies like Thread (e-commerce) and Zapier (though a remote-first company, has a strong OKC presence) represent the entrepreneurial side.

Hiring Trends: There's a steady demand for full-stack developers (especially with cloud experience, AWS is huge here), data engineers, and cybersecurity specialists. The market is less saturated with junior developers than coastal cities, making it a good place to break in.

Getting Licensed in OK

For software developers, "licensing" is a bit of a misnomer. There is no state-required license to practice software development, unlike in fields like engineering or law. However, there are certifications and business registrations you might need.

• No State License Required: You do not need to pass a state exam or hold a specific certification to get a job as a developer.
• Professional Certifications (Optional but Valuable): Certifications from cloud providers (AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Professional Developer), project management (PMP), or specific technologies (Kubernetes, Salesforce) are highly valued by employers and can boost your salary.
• Business Registration (If Going Freelance/Contract): If you plan to work as a contractor or start an LLC, you will register with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. The fee is approximately $100 for an LLC. You'll also need an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS, which is free.
• Timeline: There's no timeline to get started. You can apply for jobs immediately. For corporate roles, the hiring process typically takes 3-6 weeks. For certifications, plan for 2-4 months of study per exam.

Insider Tip: Join local groups like OKC Web Devs or Techlahoma. They don't offer licenses, but they're the best way to get local job referrals and stay on top of what skills are in demand.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Choosing where to live in OKC depends on your lifestyle and commute. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why Developers Live Here
Downtown / Bricktown	Urban, walkable, nightlife. 5-10 min drive to most employers.	$1,200 – $1,800	Proximity to Paycom, Devon, and startup offices. Great for young professionals.
Midtown / Plaza District	Trendy, historic, great restaurants. 10-15 min commute.	$1,000 – $1,400	Walkable to amenities, strong community feel, popular with creative tech folks.
The Paseo Arts District	Eclectic, artsy, unique bungalows. 10-15 min commute.	$900 – $1,200	Affordable compared to Midtown, strong neighborhood identity, near downtown employers.
Norman (South OKC)	College town vibe, family-friendly. 20-30 min commute to downtown.	$800 – $1,050	Great value for homeowners. Close to OU, FAA, and more suburban feel.
Edmond (North OKC)	Suburban, top-rated schools, safe. 25-40 min commute to downtown.	$950 – $1,300	Popular with developers who have families. Great for buying a larger home.

Insider Tip: Traffic is generally manageable, but the I-40 and I-44 corridors can get congested during rush hour. If you work downtown, living in Midtown or Paseo allows you to often bike or walk to work, which is a huge quality-of-life perk.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Oklahoma City's tech market is mature enough to support long-term career growth, though your path may look different than in Silicon Valley.

• Specialty Premiums: Certain specializations command a premium. Cloud architects (AWS/Azure) and cybersecurity engineers often earn 15-20% above the median. Data scientists are in high demand in the energy and healthcare sectors. Mobile development (iOS/Android) is also a strong niche.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Junior to Senior to Lead/Principal Engineer. Management tracks into Engineering Manager, Director, or CTO roles are viable, especially at mid-size companies like Paycom or Love's. Many developers also transition into Product Management, which is a growing field here.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 17% job growth projection is robust. As the city attracts more corporate offices and expands its innovation districts, the demand for experienced developers will only increase. The rise of remote work has also allowed OKC-based developers to tap into national salary bands while enjoying local cost-of-living benefits.

Insider Tip: Consider specializing in an industry vertical (e.g., energy tech, fintech, healthcare IT) rather than just a technology stack. Being a developer who understands the specifics of oil & gas data or healthcare compliance (HIPAA) makes you much more valuable to local employers.

The Verdict: Is Oklahoma City Right for You?

It's not for everyone, but for the right person, it's a fantastic place to build a tech career and a life.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living – Your salary goes far.	Limited Public Transit – A car is a necessity.
Stable, Growing Job Market – Less volatile than hot tech hubs.	Smaller Tech Community – Fewer meetups than major metros.
No State Licensing Hurdles – Easy to start working.	Summers are Hot – July and August are brutal.
Strong Sense of Community – Networking is easier.	Limited International Airport – Few direct international flights.
Good Work-Life Balance – Less "hustle culture."	Cultural Offerings – Improving, but not at the scale of NYC or Chicago.

Final Recommendation: Oklahoma City is an ideal choice for software developers who prioritize affordability, stability, and a high quality of life over the intense, high-cost environments of coastal tech hubs. It’s particularly well-suited for mid-career developers looking to buy a home, start a family, or build a long-term career in a steady market. For fresh graduates seeking a hyper-competitive, fast-paced startup scene, you might find the options limited, but the trade-off in quality of life is significant.

FAQs

1. Is remote work common for developers in OKC?
Yes, it’s increasingly common. Many local developers work remotely for national companies, which allows them to earn a higher salary while living in a lower-cost area. Locally, hybrid models (2-3 days in the office) are popular at larger employers like Paycom and Devon.

2. How is the work culture?
Generally more traditional than coastal tech hubs. Formal hours (8-5) are common, but there's a growing emphasis on work-life balance. The "frat bro" culture of some startups is less prevalent here. Collaboration tends to be strong, and the community is supportive.

3. What's the best way to get a job in OKC without local experience?
Leverage your network on LinkedIn, targeting recruiters from the major employers listed above. Relocate first if you can—many local employers prefer candidates who are already in the area or planning a move. Attend local meetups (like Techlahoma events) virtually or in person to make connections.

4. Are there roles for developers who aren't in AI or blockchain?
Absolutely. While AI is a growing area, the bulk of the work is in enterprise software, web development, mobile apps, and data engineering supporting legacy industries like energy, agriculture, and healthcare. The demand is broad and steady.

5. How does the cost of living index factor in?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.0 (US average = 100), your income stretches 9% further than the national average. This is most noticeable in housing and groceries. It means a $123,823 salary here feels more like $137,000 nationally in purchasing power.