Sam SmithOklahoma’s job market continues to thrive, powered by strong sectors like energy, aerospace, and healthcare. The state is home to major employers such as Devon Energy, Boeing, Tinker Air Force Base, and the OU Health System, which collectively sustain thousands of high-paying positions. While the median household income in Oklahoma hovers around $65,000, specialized professionals — particularly in medicine, oil and gas engineering, and executive management — command salaries exceeding $200,000 annually. This list highlights the Top 100 highest-paying jobs in Oklahoma, based on the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and salary aggregator data, providing a clear picture of where the state’s most lucrative career paths lie.
Highest-paying Jobs in Oklahoma – Why These Are The Top Earners
1. Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists are among Oklahoma’s top earners, often making $270,000–$420,000 annually. They play a critical role in surgical operations, managing anesthesia and patient vital functions. With large hospital systems like OU Health and INTEGRIS, demand remains steady across both urban and rural areas. Extensive education and licensing are required, but the position offers unmatched compensation and job security, especially given the state’s healthcare infrastructure and shortage of qualified anesthesiology professionals.
2. Surgeons (All Other)
General and specialized surgeons in Oklahoma earn between $250,000 and $400,000, depending on specialty and experience. They perform complex operations, often in high-pressure environments. Demand is especially strong in trauma, orthopedics, and cardiovascular surgery. Oklahoma’s expanding healthcare networks, coupled with fewer surgeons per capita compared to national averages, contribute to higher compensation and relocation incentives for top talent.
3. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons earn around $240,000–$350,000 annually. They perform reconstructive, dental implant, and corrective jaw surgeries, requiring both dental and medical expertise. Oklahoma’s growing population and demand for advanced dental care in urban centers like Oklahoma City and Tulsa keep these specialists in high demand. Many operate private practices, which significantly boosts earning potential through surgical fees and patient volume.
4. Chief Executives
CEOs and Presidents in major sectors—especially energy, aerospace, and finance—earn between $220,000 and $400,000 annually, with bonuses and stock options pushing total compensation even higher. Leadership roles in companies like Devon Energy, Chesapeake Energy, and ONEOK drive much of this growth. Strategic management, corporate governance, and business expansion responsibilities make this one of the most demanding yet lucrative positions in Oklahoma.
5. Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists in Oklahoma typically earn $210,000–$320,000, driven by a persistent statewide shortage of mental health professionals. Working in hospitals, clinics, or private practice, they diagnose and treat mental health disorders. Rural regions often offer additional incentives, including signing bonuses and loan forgiveness programs. The state’s increasing mental health awareness has made psychiatry one of the most stable and rewarding medical careers.
6. Orthodontists
Orthodontists earn between $200,000 and $300,000, primarily through private practice. Their expertise in aligning teeth and jaws ensures steady demand across all age groups. Oklahoma’s relatively young population and the rise in cosmetic dentistry contribute to the field’s profitability. Orthodontists benefit from flexible work arrangements and high patient volumes, particularly in metropolitan areas like Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
7. Physicians (All Other)
General physicians and medical specialists not included in other categories earn $190,000–$300,000 annually. They diagnose and treat diverse medical conditions, often serving as consultants in smaller hospitals and clinics. Oklahoma’s mix of urban and rural communities ensures strong demand for experienced physicians, especially in internal medicine and family practice. Incentives such as relocation packages and retention bonuses make this career highly rewarding.
8. Obstetricians and Gynecologists
OB-GYNs earn around $210,000–$290,000, serving as essential providers of women’s healthcare. They manage pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health. With Oklahoma’s ongoing need for maternal care in both urban and underserved rural regions, these specialists enjoy strong job security and flexible practice options. Hospitals and private clinics alike offer competitive salaries and performance bonuses.
9. Nurse Anesthetists
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) earn $190,000–$250,000 per year, making them the highest-paid advanced practice nurses in Oklahoma. They administer anesthesia for surgeries, pain management, and emergency care. CRNAs are especially valued in rural hospitals where anesthesiologists are scarce. With a master’s or doctoral degree and years of nursing experience required, this field offers exceptional autonomy and compensation.
10. Pediatricians (General)
Pediatricians earn $170,000–$240,000, providing medical care for infants, children, and adolescents. They are vital to Oklahoma’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring early detection and treatment of childhood illnesses. Demand remains strong in community hospitals and private clinics. The profession combines emotional reward with competitive pay, especially for those who manage their own practices or specialize in developmental and adolescent medicine.
11. Dentists (General)
General dentists typically earn $160,000–$250,000, depending on experience and practice ownership. They diagnose and treat dental conditions, perform extractions, and offer preventive care. Private practice ownership significantly boosts income potential. Oklahoma’s mix of urban and rural communities ensures steady patient flow, while insurance and cosmetic dentistry trends further enhance profitability.
12. Family Medicine Physicians
Family physicians earn $170,000–$230,000, often serving as the first point of contact for patients. They diagnose, treat, and manage a wide variety of medical conditions. With an emphasis on preventive care, these doctors are in high demand statewide, particularly in rural areas where access to specialists is limited. Many receive federal or state-funded bonuses for serving in shortage zones.
13. Architectural and Engineering Managers
These professionals oversee complex design and construction projects across industries, earning $160,000–$220,000. They coordinate teams of engineers, architects, and technicians, ensuring compliance and efficiency. Oklahoma’s robust oil, gas, and aerospace industries rely heavily on their expertise. Senior project leadership and experience in large-scale infrastructure development can yield top-tier compensation.
14. Natural Sciences Managers
Natural sciences managers earn $150,000–$200,000, managing teams in research, environmental, and industrial laboratories. In Oklahoma, they often work in energy, biotechnology, and environmental remediation. Their leadership ensures quality control and innovation in key sectors. The combination of scientific expertise and management responsibility makes this one of the state’s most respected and well-paid roles.
15. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Earning $140,000–$220,000, Oklahoma’s airline pilots benefit from the state’s major aviation training centers and airline hubs. Pilots often work for carriers or private aviation companies, operating both passenger and cargo flights. The presence of American Airlines’ maintenance base in Tulsa and Tinker Air Force Base contributes to a strong aviation employment ecosystem.
16. Computer and Information Systems Managers
IT managers earn $140,000–$200,000, leading technology infrastructure for corporations and public agencies. They oversee software development, cybersecurity, and network systems. As Oklahoma expands its presence in tech and data-driven industries, experienced IT leaders are increasingly valued. Certifications in cybersecurity and cloud computing often boost pay and career advancement.
17. Financial Managers
Financial managers earn between $130,000 and $190,000, guiding organizations’ investment strategies, budgets, and risk management. They play a crucial role in Oklahoma’s growing financial and energy sectors, ensuring profitability and regulatory compliance. Demand is particularly high in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, where major corporations and energy companies are headquartered.
18. Marketing Managers
Marketing managers earn $120,000–$180,000, leading campaigns that enhance brand visibility and revenue. They work across industries—from healthcare to energy—and are essential for maintaining competitiveness in Oklahoma’s growing markets. Those in digital and strategic marketing roles command the highest salaries, particularly within corporate and industrial firms.
19. Sales Managers
Sales managers earn $115,000–$170,000, leading sales teams to achieve growth targets. In Oklahoma, opportunities are abundant in oilfield services, manufacturing, and tech. Successful managers receive large performance-based bonuses. Strong leadership and business development skills can quickly elevate salaries well beyond six figures.
20. Lawyers
Lawyers earn $120,000–$200,000, particularly those specializing in energy, corporate, real estate, and tribal law. Many are employed by firms serving the oil and gas industry, while others work in government or private practice. High-level expertise and successful client portfolios often yield substantial bonuses, making this one of Oklahoma’s most respected and lucrative professions.
Top 100 Highest-Paying Jobs in Oklahoma (Full List)
| Rank | Job Title | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Primary Industry/Sector |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anesthesiologists | $270,000 | Healthcare |
| 2 | Surgeons (All Other) | $260,000 | Healthcare |
| 3 | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons | $250,000 | Healthcare |
| 4 | Chief Executives | $240,000 | Business / Energy |
| 5 | Psychiatrists | $235,000 | Healthcare |
| 6 | Orthodontists | $230,000 | Healthcare |
| 7 | Physicians (All Other) | $225,000 | Healthcare |
| 8 | Obstetricians and Gynecologists | $220,000 | Healthcare |
| 9 | Nurse Anesthetists | $210,000 | Healthcare |
| 10 | Pediatricians (General) | $205,000 | Healthcare |
| 11 | Dentists (General) | $200,000 | Healthcare |
| 12 | Family Medicine Physicians | $195,000 | Healthcare |
| 13 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $180,000 | Energy / Construction |
| 14 | Natural Sciences Managers | $175,000 | Research / Energy |
| 15 | Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $170,000 | Aviation / Aerospace |
| 16 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $165,000 | IT / Management |
| 17 | Financial Managers | $160,000 | Finance |
| 18 | Marketing Managers | $155,000 | Business / Advertising |
| 19 | Sales Managers | $150,000 | Business / Commerce |
| 20 | Lawyers | $148,000 | Legal |
| 21 | Pharmacists | $145,000 | Healthcare |
| 22 | Physician Assistants | $142,000 | Healthcare |
| 23 | Petroleum Engineers | $140,000 | Energy / Oil & Gas |
| 24 | Veterinarians | $138,000 | Veterinary Medicine |
| 25 | Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | $135,000 | Legal / Government |
| 26 | Compensation and Benefits Managers | $132,000 | HR / Corporate |
| 27 | Human Resources Managers | $130,000 | HR |
| 28 | Actuaries | $128,000 | Finance / Insurance |
| 29 | Air Traffic Controllers | $126,000 | Aviation |
| 30 | Data Scientists | $124,000 | Technology |
| 31 | Optometrists | $123,000 | Healthcare |
| 32 | Training and Development Managers | $122,000 | HR / Education |
| 33 | Industrial Production Managers | $120,000 | Manufacturing |
| 34 | Purchasing Managers | $118,000 | Business / Supply Chain |
| 35 | Software Developers (Systems Software) | $117,000 | Technology |
| 36 | Computer Network Architects | $115,000 | Technology |
| 37 | Elevator and Escalator Installers/Repairers | $113,000 | Skilled Trades |
| 38 | Commercial Pilots | $112,000 | Aviation |
| 39 | Financial Analysts and Advisors | $110,000 | Finance |
| 40 | Management Analysts | $109,000 | Consulting |
| 41 | Project Management Specialists | $108,000 | Construction / Energy |
| 42 | Civil Engineers | $107,000 | Engineering |
| 43 | Electrical Engineers | $106,000 | Engineering |
| 44 | Mechanical Engineers | $105,000 | Engineering |
| 45 | Aerospace Engineers | $104,000 | Aerospace / Defense |
| 46 | Materials Engineers | $103,000 | Manufacturing |
| 47 | Environmental Engineers | $102,000 | Energy / Environmental |
| 48 | Radiation Therapists | $101,000 | Healthcare |
| 49 | Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | $100,000 | Healthcare |
| 50 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $99,000 | Law Enforcement |
| 51 | Power Plant Operators | $98,000 | Energy |
| 52 | Database Architects and Administrators | $97,000 | IT |
| 53 | Information Security Analysts | $96,000 | Cybersecurity |
| 54 | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $95,000 | IT |
| 55 | Speech-Language Pathologists | $94,000 | Healthcare |
| 56 | Physical Therapists | $93,000 | Healthcare |
| 57 | Occupational Therapists | $92,000 | Healthcare |
| 58 | Registered Nurses (Experienced/Managerial) | $91,000 | Healthcare |
| 59 | Construction Managers | $90,000 | Construction |
| 60 | Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | $89,000 | Utilities |
| 61 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $88,000 | Logistics |
| 62 | Sales Representatives (Technical & Scientific) | $87,000 | Sales / Tech |
| 63 | Market Research Analysts | $86,000 | Marketing |
| 64 | Operations Research Analysts | $85,000 | Business Analytics |
| 65 | Accountants and Auditors (CPA/Controller) | $84,000 | Finance |
| 66 | Budget Analysts | $83,000 | Finance / Government |
| 67 | Cost Estimators | $82,000 | Construction / Manufacturing |
| 68 | Real Estate Brokers | $81,000 | Real Estate |
| 69 | Loan Officers (Commercial) | $81,000 | Finance |
| 70 | Avionics Technicians | $80,000 | Aviation |
| 71 | Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $80,000 | Aerospace |
| 72 | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | $79,000 | Skilled Trades |
| 73 | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $78,000 | Law Enforcement |
| 74 | Fire Inspectors | $78,000 | Public Safety |
| 75 | Web Developers and Digital Interface Designers | $77,000 | Technology |
| 76 | Technical Writers | $76,000 | Technical / Energy |
| 77 | Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators | $75,000 | Insurance |
| 78 | Commercial Divers | $74,000 | Industrial / Marine |
| 79 | Riggers and Pile Drivers | $73,000 | Construction |
| 80 | Medical and Health Services Managers | $72,000 | Healthcare |
| 81 | Social and Community Service Managers | $72,000 | Nonprofit / Gov |
| 82 | Instructional Coordinators | $71,000 | Education |
| 83 | Postsecondary Teachers | $70,000 | Education |
| 84 | General and Operations Managers | $70,000 | Business |
| 85 | Human Resources Specialists | $69,000 | HR |
| 86 | Compliance Officers | $68,000 | Corporate / Gov |
| 87 | Boilermakers | $68,000 | Energy / Skilled Trades |
| 88 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $67,000 | Technology |
| 89 | Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists | $66,000 | Engineering |
| 90 | Rotary Drill Operators (Oil & Gas) | $66,000 | Energy |
| 91 | Service Unit Operators (Oil, Gas, and Mining) | $65,000 | Energy |
| 92 | Geoscientists | $65,000 | Energy / Natural Sciences |
| 93 | Welders (Specialized/Underwater) | $64,000 | Energy / Construction |
| 94 | Machinists (Aerospace and Energy) | $63,000 | Manufacturing |
| 95 | Surveyors | $62,000 | Construction / Engineering |
| 96 | Chemical Technicians | $61,000 | Energy / Research |
| 97 | Insurance Underwriters | $60,000 | Finance / Insurance |
| 98 | Graphic Designers (Senior) | $59,000 | Creative / Media |
| 99 | Electricians (Journeyman/Master) | $58,000 | Skilled Trades |
| 100 | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics | $57,000 | Skilled Trades |
Closing
Oklahoma’s economy remains a powerhouse of practical opportunity and stable growth, balancing high wages with one of the lowest costs of living in the nation. While healthcare and energy dominate the upper salary tiers, the aerospace, defense, and tech industries are rapidly expanding, introducing more six-figure jobs across the state. From surgeons and petroleum engineers to aerospace managers and data scientists, Oklahoma’s workforce reflects a blend of innovation, industrial expertise, and strong professional infrastructure. For job seekers and professionals alike, these figures underscore Oklahoma’s status as a top destination for career advancement and financial success.