Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Oklahoma City, OK: $76,483 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Oklahoma City, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,483 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oklahoma City's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,598 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($122,576) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source

Oklahoma City offers a promising entry point for electrical engineers entering the workforce in 2026. With starting salaries beginning at around $76,483 for new graduates, those just starting out can expect their pay to grow as they gain experience, finally approaching the city median of $122,576 over the next several years. This trajectory indicates a healthy growth potential, with salaries roughly moving towards $94,467 after a few years of work. Considering the growth rate of 3.65% projected annually, early-career professionals in Oklahoma City are positioned favorably in the market, particularly when compared to national averages, where the median stands at $125,033. The city's competitive compensation, coupled with its lower-than-average cost of living index, makes it an attractive destination for new engineers seeking stability and growth in their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oklahoma City
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oklahoma City
Entry-level electrical engineers in Oklahoma City, OK typically start between $76,483 and $94,467 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $117,488 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $122,576 — 1.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Oklahoma of $48,000 represents just 62.76% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($76,483/year) in Oklahoma City. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover ABET-accredited undergraduate electrical engineering programs at public and private universities. Many electrical engineers pursue master's degrees or specialization in power, controls, or electronics.
EE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Oklahoma City
- 1Research the Oklahoma City market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $76,483 to $94,467, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the electrical engineering field — employers in OK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Oklahoma City, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Oklahoma City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oklahoma City's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrical Engineer Compensation Range
The electrical engineer wage spread in Oklahoma City is $117,488 ( 153.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,483, experienced hygienists can earn up to $193,971.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,470
2025 BLS Actual
$73,790
2026 Current Est.
$76,483
2019–2027 Growth
+42.9%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Oklahoma City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,490 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,710 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,010 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,790 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,483 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,275 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Oklahoma City, OK grew 33.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,470 in 2019 to $73,790 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,275. New graduates entering the Oklahoma City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your electrical engineering Career in Oklahoma City
Several key employers in Oklahoma City actively recruit newly graduated electrical engineers, each offering unique opportunities depending on the sector. Semiconductor companies, including giants like Apple, Nvidia, and AMD, present some of the most lucrative roles, primarily targeting candidates with bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering from ABET-accredited programs. These firms often provide structured training programs that facilitate rapid career advancement. Alternatively, defense contractors such as Lockheed and Northrop offer positions for cleared candidates through robust internship programs, where a security clearance can significantly boost starting pay. Utility companies also seek early-career engineers, although these roles typically offer less competitive salaries compared to the technology sector; however, they provide job security and benefits like pensions. To enhance entry-level pay, obtaining EIT credentials via the FE exam and considering further education, such as a master's or specialized certifications, can be beneficial. With various pathways and competitive salary growth, Oklahoma City remains a solid launching pad for electrical engineers just starting their careers.
More salary data for Oklahoma City, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Oklahoma City in 2026?
How fast do electrical engineer salaries grow in Oklahoma City?
Is electrical engineering school worth it in Oklahoma City?
What do new electrical engineers make right out of school in Oklahoma City?
How do I become a electrical engineer in Oklahoma?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oklahoma
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new electrical engineering graduates. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Oklahoma City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov