Electrical Engineer Salary

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 90.410% 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.

$76,483
Starting Salary
$36.78/hr
Starting Hourly
$76,483
Entry Level
$122,576
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

Electrical Engineer Entry Level Salary in Oklahoma City, OK — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Oklahoma City, OK electrical engineer entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$76,483/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$94,467/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$122,576/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$168,918/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oklahoma City

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for electrical engineers in Oklahoma City. The median salary is $122,576, compared to the national median of $125,033.$68.8K$102.5K$136.3K$170.0K$203.7K$76.5K10th Pctl$94.5K25th Pctl$122.6KMedian$168.9K75th Pctl$194.0K90th PctlUS Median$125.0K

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 $122,5761.97% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of electrical engineer pay in the Oklahoma City metro area.

Return on Investment

$48,000
Avg OK Program Cost
$76,483
Starting Salary
62.76%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for electrical engineers in Oklahoma City. Baseline $55,470 in 2025, projected to $79,275 by 2027.$50.7K$59.0K$67.4K$75.7K$84.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$55.5K$57.5K$61.2K$69.7K$69.0K$73.5K$73.8K$76.5K$79.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$55,470Actual
2020$57,490Actual
2021$61,210Actual
2022$69,710Actual
2023$69,010Actual
2024$73,500Actual
2025$73,790Actual
2026(current)$76,483Estimated
2027$79,275Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Oklahoma City in 2026?

Entry-level electrical engineers in Oklahoma City start at approximately $76,483/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.65% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $36.77/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do electrical engineer salaries grow in Oklahoma City?

Most electrical engineers in Oklahoma City progress from the entry-level salary of $76,483 to the area median of $122,576 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $193,971 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is electrical engineering school worth it in Oklahoma City?

With a starting salary of $76,483/year in Oklahoma City and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new electrical engineers recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new electrical engineers make right out of school in Oklahoma City?

New electrical engineering graduates in Oklahoma City typically start near the 10th percentile at $76,483/year, or approximately $36.77/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a electrical engineer in Oklahoma?

To become a licensed electrical engineer in Oklahoma, you typically need bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an abet-accredited program (4 years). master's degree (msee) or phd common for research, specialty, or leadership roles. professional engineer (pe) license required for engineers who sign off on public projects — requires fe exam, 4 years experience, then pe exam., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Oklahoma, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some electrical engineers pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Oklahoma

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Martinez, BSEEData verified by Nia Thompson, MEng

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

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