The best-paying jobs in Oklahoma include positions in the medical, legal, and engineering fields. Anesthesiologists, surgeons, and orthodontists earn over $200,000 annually. Corporate lawyers and petroleum engineers also rank among the highest earners, with salaries exceeding $150,000. High-level management roles, such as CEOs, also command top salaries.
Top High-Paying Jobs in Oklahoma
1. Highest-Paying Healthcare Jobs
Healthcare jobs dominate Oklahoma’s highest-paid careers. Medical professionals earn six-figure salaries due to their specialized skills and high demand.
Top Healthcare Jobs and Salaries:
- Anesthesiologists – $200,000+
- Surgeons – $200,000+
- Orthodontists – $200,000+
- Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) – $150,000+
- General Dentists – Income varies (percentage-based pay with daily guarantees)
Qualifications & Responsibilities:
- Anesthesiologists: Administer anesthesia, monitor patients during surgery, and ensure pain management.
- Nurse Anesthetists: Assist anesthesiologists, manage anesthesia care, and support surgical teams.
- Surgeons: Perform operations, treat injuries, and specialize in areas such as orthopedics or cardiology.
Oklahoma’s growing healthcare sector provides strong career resources for those seeking stability and high salaries in medical fields.
2. Best-Paying Engineering and Technology Jobs
Oklahoma’s energy sector and tech industry drive demand for engineers and IT professionals. The state’s expanding job market includes high-paying jobs in software, AI, and cloud computing.
Top Engineering & Tech Jobs and Salaries:
- Machine Learning Engineer – $162,740 (average)
- Lead Data Scientist – $135,000 – $160,000
- Cloud Architect – Up to $135,000
- Data Scientist – Up to $108,020
- Petroleum Engineer – $150,000+
Job Responsibilities & Required Skills:
- Machine Learning Engineers develop AI models, requiring expertise in Python, TensorFlow, and deep learning.
- Cloud Architects design cloud solutions, leverage AWS and Azure, and oversee security protocols.
- Petroleum Engineers analyze drilling sites, optimize oil extraction, and manage large-scale energy projects.
Employers in Oklahoma City and Tulsa seek skilled engineers, offering strong benefits, paid training, and career advancement.
3. Highest-Paying Business and Management Jobs
Oklahoma’s corporate sector provides high-paying jobs in business leadership, finance, and sales. Top executives and financial experts earn over $100,000 annually.
Top Business Jobs and Salaries:
- Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) – $150,000+
- Financial Managers – $100,000+
- Sales Managers – $75,883 (average)
- Human Resources Managers – $75,789 (average)
- Marketing Directors – $90,000+
Key Responsibilities & Qualifications:
- CEOs oversee company operations, discuss strategic planning, and make high-level business decisions.
- Financial Managers analyze company budgets, leverage financial data, and optimize revenue.
- HR Managers support employer resources, assist employees, and oversee hiring processes.
4. High-Paying Legal and Law Enforcement Careers
Legal professionals receive top salaries due to their expertise and responsibilities. Corporate attorneys and judges earn well over six figures.
Top Legal Jobs and Salaries:
- Corporate Lawyers – $150,000+
- Judges – $130,000+
- Police Chiefs – $90,000+
- Criminal Investigators – $80,000+
Responsibilities & Job Requirements:
- Corporate Lawyers review contracts, verify compliance, and assist employers with legal disputes.
- Judges oversee court proceedings and ensure laws are properly enforced.
Oklahoma’s legal sector offers strong employer resources, paid legal training, and excellent benefits.
5. Skilled Trade & Blue-Collar Jobs with High Salaries
Skilled trades provide lucrative salaries without requiring a four-year degree. Union jobs and specialized trade positions pay well and offer job security.
Top Trade Jobs and Salaries:
- Electricians – $60,000+
- Plumbers – $65,000+
- HVAC Technicians – $70,000+
- Heavy Equipment Operators – $75,000+
Job Responsibilities & Training:
- Electricians install wiring, verify systems, and respond to maintenance requests.
- Plumbers assist in pipe installation, serve residential and commercial clients, and provide repair services.
Trade careers offer paid apprenticeships, employer-provided training, and strong job security.
6. Best-Paying Energy and Oil Industry Jobs
Oklahoma’s economy relies on the oil and energy sector, where top professionals earn six-figure salaries.
Top Energy Jobs and Salaries:
- Petroleum Engineers – $150,000+
- Drilling Supervisors – $120,000+
- Geologists – $100,000+
- Oilfield Workers – $80,000+
Oil and energy companies provide career resources, high salaries, and employer-funded benefits.
7. High-Paying Transportation and Logistics Careers
Oklahoma’s transportation sector provides top salaries in trucking, aviation, and logistics.
Top Transportation Jobs and Salaries:
- Airline Pilots – $100,000+
- Truck Drivers – $70,000+
- Logistics Managers – $85,000+
- Supply Chain Analysts – $80,000+
With Oklahoma City’s growing economy, logistics and supply chain careers offer excellent job security.
Best-Paying Jobs in Oklahoma (2025) – Salary Table
| Job Title | Salary Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Cloud Architect | Up to $135,000 |
| Data Scientist | Up to $108,020 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | $162,740 (average) |
| Lead Data Scientist | $135,000 – $160,000 |
| General Dentist | Varies (percentage-based with daily guarantee) |
| Podiatrist | $70,436 (average) |
| Architect | $74,945 (average) |
| Human Resources Manager | $75,789 (average) |
| Sales Manager | $75,883 (average) |
Common Questions
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
How does Oklahoma City’s tech job growth compare to other emerging tech hubs in the Midwest?
Oklahoma City ranks 19th among up-and-coming tech markets in North America, outpacing many Midwest cities with its 17% wage increase over five years and a tech workforce of 22,590 professionals.
What impact has the influx of tech jobs had on Oklahoma City’s real estate market?
The growing tech sector, combined with Oklahoma City’s population growth nearly doubling the U.S. pace, is increasing demand for housing and commercial spaces.
Are there any unique tech initiatives in Oklahoma City that set it apart?
Yes. Oklahoma Cyber Command and the Innovation District attract top talent in cybersecurity and AI.
How is Oklahoma City addressing the environmental impact of its growing tech industry?
While specific data is limited, companies like Nestlé Purina focus on sustainability, suggesting Oklahoma City is balancing tech growth with environmental efforts.
Final Notes
Oklahoma offers high-paying jobs across healthcare, technology, business, law, and skilled trades. Employers in Oklahoma City and Tulsa provide strong career resources, paid training, and high salaries. Whether in medicine, engineering, or skilled trades, job seekers can obtain top salaries with the right qualifications and experience.
