Software Developer in Tulsa, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Tulsa Stands

As a career analyst who’s watched Tulsa’s tech scene evolve from the outside, I can tell you the data speaks for itself. While Tulsa won’t compete with Silicon Valley on raw salary numbers, its cost-adjusted compensation is a hidden gem for Software Developers. The median salary for a Software Developer in the Tulsa metro area is $123,251/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.26/hour. This places it slightly below the national average of $127,260/year, but the gap narrows significantly when you factor in Tulsa’s affordable living costs.

Experience is the primary salary driver in Tulsa’s market. Here’s how it typically breaks down:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Median Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$85,000 - $105,000	Feature development, bug fixes, learning codebase, code reviews under supervision.
Mid-Level	3-5 years	$105,000 - $135,000	Lead small features, mentor juniors, contribute to system design, own modules.
Senior-Level	6-9 years	$135,000 - $165,000	Architect solutions, lead projects, make high-impact technical decisions, cross-team collaboration.
Expert/Staff	10+ years	$165,000 - $200,000+	Set technical strategy, influence org-wide standards, solve complex business/technical problems.

Data compiled from local job postings and BLS metro area data. Note: These are base salaries and often exclude bonuses/equity.

Compared to other Oklahoma cities, Tulsa holds a strong position. Oklahoma City, with its larger state government and corporate base, sees a slightly higher median salary at approximately $126,000/year, but the cost of living is marginally higher. Smaller metros like Norman (home to the University of Oklahoma) or Lawton see lower medians, often in the $105,000 - $115,000 range, with fewer specialized roles. Tulsa’s sweet spot is its blend of mid-sized city opportunities and a lower cost of living, making your paycheck stretch further than in most comparable tech hubs.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth rate of 17% for Software Developers in Tulsa is a critical data point. It signals a healthy, expanding market. This isn’t just replacing retirees; it’s new growth, particularly in fintech, energy tech, and healthcare IT—Tulsa’s core industries.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. Your salary is a number; your take-home pay is reality. For a single filer earning the Tulsa median of $123,251/year, your post-tax income is the key figure. After federal income tax, FICA (Social Security & Medicare), and Oklahoma state tax (which is progressive), you’re looking at a net take-home pay of roughly $90,000 - $95,000 annually, or $7,500 - $7,900 per month. This is a simplified estimate; use a dedicated paycheck calculator for your exact situation.

The most significant variable in your monthly budget is housing. The average 1-bedroom rent in Tulsa is $900/month. However, this is a city-wide average. Your actual rent will depend heavily on your chosen neighborhood (more on that below). Let’s build a sample monthly budget for a Software Developer earning the median salary:

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary: $123,251/year)

• Net Monthly Income (Est.): $7,700
• Housing (1-Bedroom Avg.): $900 (Could be $750 in some areas, $1,200+ in others)
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $200
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance): $500 (Tulsa is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (Employer Portion): $150
• Student Loans/Debt: $300 (Varies widely)
• Retirement (401k - 5% to get match): $515 (This is a pre-tax deduction from your gross)
• Discretionary Spending (Dining, Entertainment, Travel): $600
• Savings/Investments (Post-Tax): $3,135

This budget leaves a substantial $3,135/month for savings, investments, or accelerated debt payoff. This is where Tulsa’s affordability shines.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. Let’s run the numbers. The median home price in Tulsa County is approximately $240,000. With a 20% down payment ($48,000), you’re financing $192,000. At current interest rates (around 7%), your monthly mortgage payment (PITI) would be roughly $1,600 - $1,700. This is less than 25% of your net monthly income, which is well within the recommended housing expense ratio. Saving for the down payment is feasible with the surplus budget outlined above. In fact, you could save the entire $48,000 down payment in about 15 months if you dedicated your entire savings surplus to it—a dramatically faster timeline than in most major metros.

Where the Jobs Are: Tulsa's Major Employers

Tulsa’s tech employment is anchored by its dominant industries: energy, healthcare, aerospace, and logistics. The 2,465 software developer jobs in the metro are spread across these sectors, with a growing number in local startups and fintech.

1. Baker Hughes: This global energy technology giant has a massive campus in Tulsa. They are aggressively hiring software developers for their digital solutions division, focusing on industrial IoT, data analytics for oil & gas, and cloud platforms. Hiring is steady, with a preference for developers with experience in Python, Java, and cloud services (AWS/Azure).

2. American Airlines (TUL Maintenance Base): While not a pure software company, American’s Tulsa base (the largest maintenance facility in the world) employs a significant number of software developers for logistics, supply chain management, and operational systems. The work is critical, stable, and often involves legacy system modernization.

3. Saint Francis Health System: One of Oklahoma’s largest hospitals, Saint Francis has a sizable IT department. They are constantly seeking developers for electronic health record (EHR) systems, patient portals, and internal applications. The healthcare IT field here is robust, with opportunities for developers interested in making a direct impact on patient care.

4. QuikTrip (QT): The beloved Tulsa-based convenience store chain is a major tech employer. Their corporate headquarters houses a team building everything from point-of-sale systems and mobile apps to logistics software for their distribution network. It’s a unique, product-focused environment.

5. Bank of Oklahoma (BOK Financial): As a major regional bank headquartered in Tulsa, BOK has a large and growing technology division. They hire for roles in fintech, cybersecurity, mobile banking app development, and core banking systems. It’s a great path for developers interested in finance and regulated environments.

6. Local & Remote-First Startups: Tulsa has a burgeoning startup scene, partly fueled by the Tulsa Remote program. Companies like Blink (identity management) and Branch (plant health tech) are growing. Additionally, many Tulsa-based developers work remotely for national startups, leveraging Tulsa’s low cost of living for a competitive salary.

Hiring Trend Insight: The trend is toward hybrid models. While some companies are fully remote, many prefer 2-3 days a week in the office, especially for senior and leadership roles. The demand is strongest for full-stack developers with cloud experience (AWS, Azure) and familiarity with modern frameworks (React, Angular, Node.js).

Getting Licensed in OK

For Software Developers, the licensing landscape is refreshingly straightforward. There is no state-specific license required to practice software development in Oklahoma. The field is not regulated in the same way as medicine, law, or engineering (though civil/structural engineers are licensed).

The primary "license" that matters is your portfolio and your ability to pass technical interviews. However, there are two important pieces of formal documentation:

1. Professional Engineer (PE) License: If you work in a sub-discipline that crosses into civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering (e.g., developing software for aerospace systems that require a PE's sign-off), you may need to work under a licensed PE. For pure software, this is rare.
2. Background Checks: Most employers in Tulsa, especially in energy and finance (like Baker Hughes and BOK), will perform comprehensive background checks. Having a clean record is more important than any formal license.

Costs & Timeline:

• Cost: $0 for a software-specific license. If pursuing a PE license (in a related engineering field), the process costs $500 - $1,000 in exam fees and applications.
• Timeline: To get started as a developer, there is no licensing timeline. If you have the skills, you can apply for jobs immediately. The most relevant timeline is for building certifications, like AWS Certified Solutions Architect, which can take 1-3 months of study.

Insider Tip: While not mandatory, joining a professional organization like the Oklahoma Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) can provide networking opportunities and local job boards that aren't advertised nationally.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Tulsa’s neighborhoods offer distinct vibes, and your choice will heavily influence your commute and social life. Here’s a breakdown of the top areas for tech professionals.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Average 1BR Rent	Commute to Downtown/Core
Cherry Street	Trendy, walkable, artsy. Full of local coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Popular with younger professionals.	$950 - $1,150	10-15 minutes
Brookside	Upscale, residential, and quiet. Known for its beautiful homes, parks, and a more relaxed pace. Great for dog owners.	$900 - $1,100	15-20 minutes
Midtown	The heart of Tulsa’s nightlife and culture. Dense with restaurants, bars, and historic theaters. Energetic and social.	$850 - $1,200+	5-10 minutes
Riverside (South Tulsa)	Modern, family-oriented, with easy access to the River Parks trail system. More suburban feel with newer apartment complexes.	$800 - $1,000	20-25 minutes
Downtown	Urban core, rapidly revitalizing. Loft living, proximity to Thunder games and the BOK Center. Still limited grocery options.	$1,100 - $1,500+	0-5 minutes (walk)

Personal Insight: If you’re new to Tulsa and want to build a social network quickly, Midtown or Cherry Street are your best bets. The walkability and density of social venues make it easier to meet people. For a quieter, more settled life with a potential for home ownership sooner, Brookside or Riverside are excellent choices. Avoid assuming you need to live next to your office; the longest commute in the metro is rarely more than 30 minutes without major traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Tulsa offers a solid path for career advancement, though it may require more intentionality than in a dense tech hub.

Specialty Premiums: Certain skills command a premium in the local market due to our industry mix:

• Cloud & DevOps: With energy and financial companies moving to the cloud, architects with AWS/Azure certifications can see a 10-15% salary premium.
• Data Engineering/ML: As companies like Baker Hughes and BOK leverage data, developers skilled in data pipelines, analytics, and basic machine learning are in high demand.
• Mobile Development (iOS/Android): For consumer-facing companies (QuikTrip, regional retailers), native mobile skills are valuable.

Advancement Paths: The typical path goes from Junior Developer to Senior, then to Tech Lead or Engineering Manager. For those who want to stay technical, a "Staff" or "Principal" engineer track exists but is less formalized than in FAANG companies. Leadership opportunities often involve managing teams in Tulsa while interfacing with headquarters in other cities (for national companies) or local business units.

10-Year Outlook (17% Growth): This growth signal means Tulsa’s tech scene will mature. Expect:

1. More Senior Roles: As the industry grows, there will be a greater need for local leadership and architecture roles.
2. Increased Specialization: We’ll see more niche roles in cybersecurity, fintech, and healthtech.
3. Startup Ecosystem Maturation: More venture capital will flow into Tulsa-based startups, creating new leadership opportunities.
4. Remote Work Competition: The biggest challenge will be competing with remote salaries from coastal companies. To stay competitive, Tulsa employers will need to offer compelling non-salary benefits (like Tulsa Remote’s incentives) or developers will need to position themselves for remote roles.

The Verdict: Is Tulsa Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further, enabling homeownership and high savings rates.	Limited Senior-Only Roles: Most local jobs are for mid-level and senior developers; truly entry-level roles can be competitive.
Strong, Stable Job Market: Anchored by major employers in energy, healthcare, and finance, with 17% job growth.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited; you will need a reliable vehicle.
Manageable Commutes: Even living in the suburbs, you’re rarely more than 25-30 minutes from your office.	Smaller Tech Community: While growing, the community is smaller than in Austin or Denver. You must be proactive to network.
Growing Tech Scene: Fueled by Tulsa Remote and local investment, it’s a time to get in on the ground floor.	Less Prestige: If you’re building a resume for a future move to a top-tier tech hub, a Tulsa role may not carry the same weight.
Quality of Life: Abundant parks, a revitalized downtown, and a genuine sense of community.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and the potential for severe storms (tornadoes) can be an adjustment.

Final Recommendation: Tulsa is an excellent choice for Software Developers who prioritize financial stability, homeownership, and a high quality of life over the intensity of a major coastal tech hub. It’s ideal for mid-career developers looking to stretch their salary, or for remote workers who want the benefits of a low-cost city. It’s less ideal for those seeking a hyper-competitive, fast-paced tech environment or for those at the very beginning of their career without a strong local network. If you value balance and long-term financial growth, Tulsa is a data-driven, compelling choice.

FAQs

Q: Is the tech community in Tulsa welcoming to newcomers?
A: Yes, but you have to make an effort. It’s not as automatic as in a larger city. Join local groups like Tulsa Devs on Slack or Meetup.com, attend events at the 36 Degrees North hub, and participate in hackathons. People are friendly, but the community is smaller, so you need to be proactive.

Q: How important is it to have a car in Tulsa?
A: Essential. While downtown and parts of Midtown are walkable, the city is spread out. Most tech offices (like Baker Hughes on the south side or BOK downtown) require a car. Public transit (Tulsa Transit) exists but is limited for daily commuting.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job in Tulsa?
A: A multi-prong approach works best. Use LinkedIn with location filters, check the career pages of the major employers listed above, and engage with the local Tulsa Devs Slack community. Many jobs are filled through referrals here, so networking is key.

Q: Are there opportunities for career advancement without leaving Tulsa?
A: Yes. With a 17% growth rate, the market is expanding. You can advance from mid-level to senior and into leadership within the same company or move to another local employer. For niche specializations, you may need to look at remote roles, which are common among Tulsa developers.

Q: How does Tulsa’s weather affect daily life for a developer?
A: Summers are hot and humid (often 90°F+), so air conditioning is a must. Springs bring severe thunderstorms and tornadoes—it’s wise to have a plan. The pleasant fall and spring weather make outdoor activities and commuting by bike or scooter enjoyable. Most offices are climate-controlled, so your work environment stays consistent.