Business & Finance Oklahoma (OK) Rank #47 of 50

Economist Salary in Oklahoma

The median economist salary in Oklahoma is $97,988 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $113,940.

Median Salary
$97,988
vs National
$-15,952
State Rank
#47 of 50
Cost of Living
86%

Economist Salary Overview in Oklahoma (2026)

Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for economist compensation. Economist salaries in Oklahoma are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $97,988 per year, economists in Oklahoma earn $15,952 less than the national median of $113,940.

A key advantage of working in Oklahoma is its below-average cost of living (86% of the national index). This means the $97,988 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $113,940 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Oklahoma is significant: economists at the 10th percentile earn $53,320, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $170,280 — a $116,960 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 $104,825.

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for economists across the country.

Economist Salary in Oklahoma by Experience

In Oklahoma, an entry-level economist earns around $55,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,100 per year. The cost of living index in Oklahoma is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,900
$-9,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,900
$-16,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,100
$-25,900 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Oklahoma

Percentile OK Salary
10th Percentile $53,320
25th Percentile $70,520
Median (50th) $97,988
75th Percentile $133,300
90th Percentile $170,280

Economist Salary by City in Oklahoma

The largest employment areas for economists 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 Economist in Oklahoma

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Oklahoma has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook in Oklahoma

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Oklahoma's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Oklahoma

How much does a Economist make in Oklahoma? ▼
The median economist salary in Oklahoma is $97,988 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $53,320 (10th percentile) to $170,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Oklahoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,988, a economist in Oklahoma earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Oklahoma a good state for economists? ▼
Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for economist pay. The cost of living index is 86% of the national average. Entry-level economists earn $55,900, while senior professionals earn $159,100.
How does Oklahoma compare to other states for economist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for economists is Hawaii at $193,698. Oklahoma's median of $97,988 ranks #47 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kansas ($99,128) and Kentucky ($99,128).
What is the entry-level economist salary in Oklahoma? ▼
An entry-level economist in Oklahoma earns approximately $55,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $98,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $159,100.
What city in Oklahoma pays economists the most? ▼
Edmond is the highest paying city in Oklahoma for economists, with a median salary of $104,825. Other cities include Oklahoma City and Tulsa.