​​ Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Oklahoma 2024 (Inc Salaries)

In this article, we have curated a list of the highest-paying jobs in Oklahoma City and the state of Oklahoma. Along with each position are a full job description, the estimated salary, and other important job details.

Located in the South Central region of the United States, the state of Oklahoma boasts a diverse economy and several key industries. The income of Oklahomans is currently largely driven by the energy sector, aerospace and defense, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, tourism, and agriculture.

While many of the highest-paying jobs in Oklahoma are in these industries, the most promising and financially rewarding jobs are in the healthcare industry.

Oklahoma City, the capital with the highest population, has an abundance of medical centers, clinics, and hospitals that offer a range of medical services and hire different specialists. Therefore, the demand for healthcare professionals like nurses, physicians, surgeons, consultants, allied health professionals, and staff in Oklahoma City and the whole state remains steady.

If you’re thinking about which type of medical and healthcare jobs to consider, check out our list of the highest paying jobs in Oklahoma.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Oklahoma (Inc Salaries) 1. Cardiac Anesthesiologist

A cardiac anesthesiologist is a specialist in administering anesthesia and providing care for patients undergoing surgery or procedures involving the heart and blood vessels. Cardiac anesthesiologists assess their patient’s condition, medical history, and vital signs before surgery to determine the proper dosage and kind of anesthesia to use.

Educational Requirements and Credentials

To become a cardiac anesthesiologist in Oklahoma, you need a bachelor's degree in science-related fields or pre-medical studies.

You must then earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine D.O.) degree, complete residency training in anesthesiology, and pursue specialization fellowship training in cardiac anesthesiology.

You also need to pass the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) or COMLEX-USA (Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination) to obtain medical licensure.

Optionally, you may seek board certifications through the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) or the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) to expand your career prospects.

Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies cardiac anesthesiologists as Specialty Anesthesiologists, the employment for which is expected to increase by 9.3% until 2032.

There are currently 430 anesthesiologist positions in Tulsa, Oklahoma, securing its place as one of the metropolitan areas with the highest employment, job concentration, and location quotient for this role.

Salary Information

Cardiac Anesthesiologists in Oklahoma receive an average yearly salary of $401,000 with up to $144,200 of average annual additional pay

2. Anesthesiologist (General)

General anesthesiologists are medical doctors specializing in perioperative care and anesthesia administration. Unlike cardiac anesthesiologists, however, they cater to patients undergoing a wide range of surgery and medical procedures.

They are trained to give various types of anesthesia including general, regional, and local anesthesia. They assist in pain management before, during, and after surgery or complex procedures.

Educational Requirements and Credentials

Becoming an anesthesiologist in the state of Oklahoma requires a pre-medical or science-related bachelor's degree, a medical degree from an accredited medical school, and residency training in anesthesiology.

Then, you need to obtain a medical license to practice medicine in Oklahoma, which involves passing the USMLE or the COMLEX-USA.

You must also apply for a medical license from the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision (OSBMLS).

For better opportunities, you may also obtain and maintain board certifications from the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) or the American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology (AOBA).

A fellowship training in subspecialties like pediatric anesthesia, cardiac anesthesia, pain management, critical care, or regional anesthesia is also an option.

Job Outlook

Tulsa, Oklahoma is one of the top metropolitan areas with the highest employment, job concentration, and location quotients for Anesthesiologists, with 320 Anesthesiologist positions and 0.76 Employment per thousand jobs.

On the other hand, Northeast Oklahoma is one of the top-paying nonmetropolitan areas for anesthesiologists as of 2020.

The U.S. BLS classifies Anesthesiologists under physicians and surgeons, a category projected to grow by 3% until 2032, with about 41,100 anesthesiologist positions projected annually by 2032.

Salary Information

Anesthesiologists in Oklahoma receive a median annual wage of $344,800.

3. Plastic Surgeon

A plastic surgeon is a medical specialist who performs restorative, reconstructive, or modification surgeries for both functional and aesthetic purposes.

He also performs reconstructive surgeries that repair or restore the shape of various body parts for patients who suffered from traumatic accidents, underwent body part removal for medical reasons, or have congenital deformities.

Educational Requirements and Credentials

To practice plastic surgery professions in Oklahoma, you'll need a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or other scientific fields.

Then, you must be able to complete medical school, finish a residency program in general surgery, and undergo a plastic surgery residency for plastic or reconstructive surgery. After residency, you must obtain a medical license by passing the USMLE or COMLEX-USA and applying for state licensure from the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision (OSBMLS). You could also pursue optional board certifications and subspecialty fellowship training.

Job Outlook

Categorized by BLS under physicians and surgeons, employment for plastic surgeons is expected to increase by 3% until 2032.

Salary Information

The median annual salary for Plastic Surgeons is about $309,400 in Oklahoma.

4. Surgeon (All Others)

Surgeons perform surgical procedures on various parts of the body. They are knowledgeable in diagnosing, treating, and managing multiple conditions affecting different organ systems.

General surgeons assess patients' conditions, symptoms, and medical histories. They use this information to suggest diagnostic tests and determine the appropriate course of action or whether surgical intervention is necessary.

Additionally, they also discuss the risks, benefits, options, and potential outcomes of surgery and monitor post-operative recovery.

Educational Requirements and Credentials

To become a general surgeon in Oklahoma, you need to complete a pre-medical undergraduate degree, a medical (either an M.D. or D.O.) degree, and a surgical residency program.

After residency, you'll need to obtain a medical license by passing the COMLEX-USA or USMLE examinations and applying for state licensure.

Board certifications from organizations like the American Board of Surgery (ABS) or the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS) are also ideal.

If you want to specialize in a specific subspecialty, you could pursue fellowship training in cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, pediatric surgery, or surgical oncology.

Job Outlook

BLS projects employment for Physicians and Surgeons to grow by 3% until 2032, with 1% growth for all other surgeons. This means that they are anticipating about 26,800 projected surgeon job openings per year until 2032.

Salary Information

Surgeons in Oklahoma are typically paid an average of $286,100 annually. The average estimated additional pay is about $48,200 per year.

5. Podiatrist

Podiatrists are specialists who diagnose, manage, and treat conditions affecting the ankles, legs, and feet. They provide care services that involve both surgical and non-surgical interventions.

Other tasks include conducting thorough diagnostic assessments to recommend and plan tailored, comprehensive treatment programs for their patients and customizing and prescribing orthotic and prosthetic devices.

Educational Requirements and Credentials

Becoming a podiatrist in Oklahoma involves completing a bachelor's degree with pre-medical coursework and earning a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree in an accredited podiatric medical school. Then, you must complete a podiatric residency program, obtain a podiatry license by passing the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination (APMLE), and become a licensed podiatrist by applying for licensure from the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. Optionally, you can pursue board certifications from the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) or the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM).

Job Outlook

The employment of podiatrists is projected to have little to no change in the next few years until 2032. However, there is still a projected average of 300 job openings for podiatrists each year, with 10,700 projected job openings by 2032.

Salary Information

Podiatrists in Oklahoma are paid an average of $262,900 annually. The average estimated additional pay is about $146,100.

6. Obstetrician-Gynecologist

Obstetrician-gynecologists (O.B./GYNs) provide healthcare services and medical advice for women related to pregnancy and childbirth (obstetrics) and conditions and diseases of the female reproductive system (gynecology).

OB/GYN duties and responsibilities include diagnosing and treating reproductive disease and holistic prenatal care for pregnant women, ensuring safe labor and delivery, and managing complications in high-risk pregnancies.

They also offer specialized services like gynecologic oncology, fertility treatments, hormonal therapy, menopause management, sexual health, and family planning.

Educational Requirements and Credentials

Becoming an obstetrician-gynecologist requires completing a bachelor's degree with pre-medical coursework like biology, chemistry, human anatomy, biophysics, or other sciences.

Then, you must attend medical school to earn an M.D. or D.O. degree.

After getting your medical degree, you must complete a residency program in obstetrics and gynecology, pass the USMLE or COMLEX-USA, obtain a medical license from the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision (OSBMLS), and secure board certification from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG).

Job Outlook

Obstetrician-gynecologists are classified by BLS under Physicians and Surgeons, with a projected employment growth of a 3% increase until 2032.

Specifically, there is an estimated 2% increase in OB/GYN employment, with a yearly average of 23,400 job openings until 2032.

Salary Information

OB/GYN jobs in Oklahoma receive a median annual salary of about $262,200 with an average additional pay of $58,800 per year.

7. Nurse Anesthetist

The top 7 high-paying jobs available in Oklahoma, according to Zippia, is a nurse anesthetist, an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specializing in anesthesia administration.

Nurse anesthetists also provide personalized care for patients before, during, and after procedures or surgeries requiring anesthesia.

They also collaborate with physicians and other healthcare workers to ensure maximum comfort and maintain a positive recovery experience for patients. They are also responsible for monitoring vital signs and can adjust the anesthesia dosage or type accordingly.

Educational Requirements and Credentials

To be a nurse anesthetist, you must first become a registered nurse and then pursue specialized graduate education.

First, you'll complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed Registered Nurse in Oklahoma, and gain clinical experience as a registered nurse.

After acquiring the required experience and license, you can apply to a nurse anesthetist program and complete a master's or doctorate.

Then, you have to pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

After this, you need to maintain and renew your CRNA certification and license according to the state of Oklahoma regulations.

Job Outlook

Overall employment for APRNs, including nurse anesthetists, is projected to grow by 38% until 2032, a much faster rate than the average for all occupations. Specifically, nurse anesthetist employment is expected to grow by 9%, with 53,800 job positions by 2032.

Salary Information

Nurse anesthetist jobs in Oklahoma, on average, are paid $253,000 yearly, with an estimated additional pay of about $56,300 per year.

8. Internist

Also known as an internal medicine physician, an internist is a medical doctor who diagnoses, prevents, and treats various diseases and conditions. Internists offer comprehensive medical care for adults experiencing acute, chronic, or complex illnesses.

Educational Requirements and Credentials

An internist applicant in Oklahoma will need a bachelor's degree in any pre-medical course like biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and the like.

Then, you must earn your M.D. or D.O. degree from an accredited medical school, followed by an Internal Medicine residency program.

After residency, you need to pass the USMLE if you're an M.D. or the COMLEX-USA if you're a D.O. and obtain a medical license from the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision (OSBMLS).

Fellowship training and board certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (AOBIM) will also boost your career potential.

Job Outlook

Overall employment for general internal medicine physicians is projected to grow by 2%, with an estimated 74,400 job positions by 2032.

Salary Information

The average annual salary of internists in Oklahoma is about $251,400 plus additional pay, amounting to around $45,100 each year.

9. Psychiatrist

One of the top three highest paying jobs in USA, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in mental health disorders and behavioral and emotional issues.

These professionals are trained to diagnose, treat, manage, and provide support and care for patients with various psychiatric conditions.

Specifically, psychiatrists handle patients with conditions like psychotic disorders, personality or mood disorders, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, and depression.

Educational Requirements and Credentials

To become a psychiatrist, you'll need a bachelor's degree with pre-medical coursework, preferably in psychology or related fields.

Then, you have to earn an M.D. or D.O. degree from an accredited medical school, followed by a psychiatry residency training.

Once residency is over, you can become a board-certified psychiatrist by passing the exam administered by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) or the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry (AOBNP).

The last step is to obtain a medical license from the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision (OSBMLS) to practice in-state.

Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of psychiatrists to grow by 7% until 2032, with about 30,500 positions by then and an average of 1,900 job openings each year.

Salary Information

According to career resources, Psychiatrists earn a median annual salary of $240,600 in Oklahoma, with additional pay averaging at around $29,000 per year.

10. Emergency Medicine Physician

An emergency physician, also called an E.R. doctor or emergency medicine physician, is a doctor focused on diagnosing and treating severe and life-threatening injuries and medical conditions.

Emergency physicians work in urgent care or trauma response centers where immediate and high-level medical attention and care are required. These doctors are often the frontrunners in disaster response programs, public health emergencies, and critical care emergencies.

Educational Requirements and Credentials

Like other doctors, emergency medicine physicians need to complete pre-medical education through a bachelor's degree in sciences and obtain an M.D. or D.O. degree from an accredited medical school.

This is followed by residency training in emergency medicine, including acute care, trauma management, critical and urgent care, resuscitation protocols, and emergency procedures.

Valuable skills and experience are gained through hands-on clinical experience in intensive care units, trauma centers, emergency departments, and similar settings.

The last steps are obtaining a medical license, board certification, and optional fellowship training for advanced practice.

Job Outlook

BLS projects that the employment of emergency medicine physicians will grow by 3% until 2032, with an average of 900 job openings per year.

Salary Information

The average annual salary for emergency medicine physicians is around $239,600, with additional pay amounting to about $56,000 per year.

Conclusion

Upon reviewing job profile insights and employer resources, it is safe to say that the highest-paying jobs in Oklahoma require strong educational and experiential backgrounds. Challenging as they are, these jobs offer the best revenue and opportunities to serve the community.

If you are seeking to grow professionally, we highly recommend earning a BBA, MBA or MS degree through part-time and fully remote degree programs offered by Nexford. This step can help you leverage your skills and land the best, highest-paying Oklahoma jobs.

FAQs

What is the highest-paying job within Oklahoma in 2024?

A cardiac anesthesiologist position is the highest-paying job within Oklahoma in 2024, with an approximate pay range of $409,000 to $752,000.

The average yearly pay is around $401,000, plus additional pay amounting to almost $144,200 per year.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which Oklahoma jobs are projected to have the highest level of growth?

The Oklahoma jobs projected to have the highest level of growth are APRNs including nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners.

Out of the three, the expected employment growth for nurse practitioners is the highest at 45%, followed by nurse anesthetists at 9%, and nurse midwives with a 6% growth.

What is the best career path in Oklahoma in 2024?

Based on the average salary, additional pay, and job outlook, the best career path in Oklahoma in 2024 is to get hired as a cardiac anesthesiologist.

What skills or expertise is required for high-paying Oklahoma jobs?

Important soft skills for high-paying Oklahoma jobs include:

• exceptional people and communication skills,

• willingness to accept constructive criticism,

• attention to detail,

• professional demeanor,

• an empathetic attitude,

• ability to analyze situations,

• ability to build and maintain positive work environments,

• compliance with state and local rules and regulations, and

• being resourceful and self-motivated.

Necessary hard skills are job-dependent knowledge, expertise, and training.

If you want to discover the skills you need for employers to hire you for one of the highest-paying jobs in Oklahoma, Download Our Free Report now!

What qualifications are required for high-paying Oklahoma jobs?

Job post details show that the basic qualifications for high-paying Oklahoma jobs include a bachelor's degree, an M.D. or D.O. degree, licensure, board certifications, and relevant training and work experience.

However, if you want to pursue supervisory positions and your resume to stand out, consider applying for an online BBA or online MBA program.

Why is it beneficial to gain a BBA/MBA degree to earn a high-paying job in Oklahoma?

A BBA or MBA degree will help you rise to a managerial or supervisory position by adding value to your resume while also providing you with the necessary skills to manage staff and resources.

This will give you the edge and confidence when you apply for high-paying jobs available in Oklahoma.