Salaries in Oklahoma City, OK
What every job actually pays โ cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 ยท 40 occupations ยท BLS + Census data
Here's the thing about Oklahoma City that the data doesn't always lead with: it's a city where a software developer can afford a comfortable life on a salary that would feel tight in Austin or Denver. With a cost of living index of 91, you're getting about 9% more purchasing power than the average American city. That $123,823 salary for a software developer? It adjusts to a purchasing power equivalent of $136,069 nationally. Thatโs real money in your pocket.
The math is compelling. A one-bedroom apartment runs you $884 a month. The median household income is $67,015, but the average salary across all roles is $67,883, which adjusts to $74,597 in national purchasing power. Itโs not a boomtown price tag, but itโs not a sleepy bargain bin either. You can build savings here, especially if youโre in tech, healthcare, or the construction management thatโs booming around new corporate campuses. Tinker Air Force Base and the FAAโs Mike Mononey Air Traffic Control Center are massive employers, and the healthcare sector is anchored by giants like OU Health.
My honest take? Wages aren't keeping pace with the city's rapid growth. The 3.3% unemployment rate means employers are competing for talent, but that hasn't fully translated into the kind of wage leaps you see on the coasts. It works beautifully for a dual-income household or a single professional in a high-demand field. Itโs tougher if youโre in an industry with flatter pay scales. The data below breaks down exactly who is earning top dollar and what your paycheck could look like after the rent check clears.
๐ Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Oklahoma City
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Marketing Manager
Pharmacist
Software Developer
Construction Manager
Project Manager
๐ Complete Salary Guide โ All 40 Occupations in Oklahoma City
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (91/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
๐๏ธ Living Costs in Oklahoma City
๐งฎ Can You Afford to Live in Oklahoma City?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Oklahoma City. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
โ Oklahoma City Salary FAQ
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๐ Editor's Verdict: Is Oklahoma City Worth It?
Hereโs my honest take: Oklahoma City is a solid financial bet in 2026, especially if youโre chasing value. With a COL index of 91.0 and rent averaging $884, your paycheck stretches further than on the coasts. The average salary of $67,883 feels livable here, and if youโre in marketingโhitting $153k+โyouโre in the sweet spot, especially with the COL-adjusted figure pushing $168k.
Who wins here? Tech workers get decent salaries without the Silicon Valley stress, healthcare pros find steady demand, and tradespeople are in high demand with lower competition. But if youโre in a low-paying field, the math gets tougher.
My advice? Donโt move here just for the moneyโcome for the lifestyle. OKC is growing, but itโs still a midsize city. If you value space, affordability, and a slower pace, itโs worth it. If you need big-city energy or industry dominance, look elsewhere.