Creative & Education Oklahoma (OK) Rank #47 of 50

College Professor Salary in Oklahoma

The median college professor salary in Oklahoma is $72,137 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $83,880.

Median Salary
$72,137
vs National
$-11,743
State Rank
#47 of 50
Cost of Living
86%

College Professor Salary Overview in Oklahoma (2026)

Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for college professor compensation. College Professor salaries in Oklahoma are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $72,137 per year, college professors in Oklahoma earn $11,743 less than the national median of $83,880.

A key advantage of working in Oklahoma is its below-average cost of living (86% of the national index). This means the $72,137 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $83,880 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Oklahoma is significant: college professors at the 10th percentile earn $38,700, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $144,480 — a $105,780 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Oklahoma for this role is Edmond, where the median reaches $77,170.

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for college professors across the country.

College Professor Salary in Oklahoma by Experience

In Oklahoma, an entry-level college professor earns around $41,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,600 per year. The cost of living index in Oklahoma is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,280
$-6,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,960
$-12,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$137,600
$-22,400 vs national

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $72,137 income, financial advisors recommend investing 15–20% annually. Start building a diversified portfolio with as little as $10.

See Investment Options →

Salary Percentiles in Oklahoma

Percentile OK Salary
10th Percentile $38,700
25th Percentile $51,600
Median (50th) $72,137
75th Percentile $103,200
90th Percentile $144,480

College Professor Salary by City in Oklahoma

The largest employment areas for college professors in Oklahoma include Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and Broken Arrow. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a College Professor in Oklahoma

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Oklahoma has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook in Oklahoma

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Oklahoma's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows College Professors who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $65,463 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to College Professor Roles in Oklahoma?

Get matched with recruiters hiring college professors in Oklahoma at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Oklahoma

How much does a College Professor make in Oklahoma? ▼
The median college professor salary in Oklahoma is $72,137 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $38,700 (10th percentile) to $144,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Oklahoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,137, a college professor in Oklahoma earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Oklahoma a good state for college professors? ▼
Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for college professor pay. The cost of living index is 86% of the national average. Entry-level college professors earn $41,280, while senior professionals earn $137,600.
How does Oklahoma compare to other states for college professor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for college professors is Hawaii at $142,596. Oklahoma's median of $72,137 ranks #47 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kansas ($72,976) and Kentucky ($72,976).
What is the entry-level college professor salary in Oklahoma? ▼
An entry-level college professor in Oklahoma earns approximately $41,280 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $73,960. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $137,600.
What city in Oklahoma pays college professors the most? ▼
Edmond is the highest paying city in Oklahoma for college professors, with a median salary of $77,170. Other cities include Oklahoma City and Tulsa.