Oklahoma City vs Tulsa: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Oklahoma City, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,576▲ | $109,019 |
| Hourly Rate | $58.93▲ | $52.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,483 | $78,722▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $94,467 | $96,488▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $168,918▲ | $135,253 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $193,971▲ | $148,479 |
| Total Employed | 910▲ | 710 |
Verdict
Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tulsa.
The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Tulsa is $13,557 (12.44%). Oklahoma City's median is -1.97% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oklahoma City spans $117,488,Tulsa spans $69,757. Oklahoma City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Oklahoma City ($135,581 effective) pays 10.95% more than Tulsa ($122,199 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($122,576/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($193,971)
- ✓Larger job market (910 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,581)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Oklahoma City grew 29.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.1% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Oklahoma City, OK
$91,210 (2019) → $118,260 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$101,000 (2019) → $105,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oklahoma City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Oklahoma City or Tulsa?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov