Oklahoma leaders often tout the state’s low cost of living, and it’s for a good reason: Oklahoma boasts low housing costs that are about 25% below the national average. And healthcare and grocery costs are a full 5.5% below the national average. Those savings matter, if corresponding wages match regional and national averages, meaning employees actually benefit from the lower cost of living.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics* produces employment and wage estimates annually for about 830 occupations. On average, Oklahoma wages are lower in many industries than the national and regional averages, even in growth or high-paying sectors. Here’s a look at where Oklahoma ranks in just a few of the state’s employment sectors.Â
