Find a Job You Really Want In
When we think of Oklahoma, we often picture stunning landscapes, delicious home-cooked meals, and vibrant local culture. However, Oklahoma also boasts a robust economy and a dynamic job market that has continued to evolve in recent years.
At Zippia, we delve into local economies to identify which jobs and industries are thriving. This insight helps job seekers and those considering relocation to the area understand what to expect from Oklahoma’s job landscape.
In this article, we explore the top industries in Oklahoma for 2026.
After analyzing the latest data, we present the five best industries for jobs in Oklahoma:
Continue reading to learn how we determined which industries stand out as the best in Oklahoma.
If you’re interested in further exploring the job market in Oklahoma, check out these resources:
- 17 Best Companies to Work For in Oklahoma City
- 100 Lowest Paying Jobs in Oklahoma
- 10 Best Jobs in Oklahoma for Recent Graduates
Methodology for Ranking the Best Industries in Oklahoma
We believe that data provides a more reliable foundation than subjective opinions. Our mission was to gather comprehensive data about the Oklahoma job market to identify the best industries.
We considered the following criteria to evaluate the top industries:
- Average Salary
- Job Availability
- Average Stress Level within the Industry
Data was sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor.
The stress level index was derived from self-reported statistics from individuals within each industry, allowing us to rank them from 1 to 22, with 1 being the most favorable.
Ultimately, we calculated a composite ‘Best Industry’ index, with Management emerging as the leading sector in Oklahoma.
For a detailed data table, refer to the bottom of this article. Now, let’s explore why these industries are particularly advantageous for job seekers.
Comprehensive Overview of the Best Industries in Oklahoma
| Rank | Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Management | $94,900 |
| 2 | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $69,810 |
| 3 | Architecture and Engineering | $78,670 |
| 4 | Legal | $88,400 |
| 5 | Production and Manufacturing | $36,980 |
| 6 | Education, Training, and Library | $40,520 |
| 7 | Office and Administrative Support | $33,860 |
| 8 | Community and Social Services | $40,100 |
| 9 | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $44,070 |
| 10 | Construction and Extraction | $42,440 |
| 11 | Business and Financial Operations | $62,760 |
| 12 | Computer and Mathematical | $68,220 |
| 13 | Life, Physical, and Social Science | $63,840 |
| 14 | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $42,020 |
| 15 | Food Preparation and Serving Related | $20,800 |
| 16 | Sales | $34,990 |
| 17 | Transportation | $34,860 |
| 18 | Healthcare Support | $27,800 |
| 19 | Protective Service | $40,290 |
| 20 | Personal Care and Service | $23,130 |
| 21 | Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $31,580 |
| 22 | Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $23,590 |
Conclusion: Best Industries to Work In Oklahoma
In summary, Management stands out as the top industry for job seekers in Oklahoma in 2026, offering competitive salaries and a favorable job market.
Conversely, the Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance industry ranks lower due to limited job growth and lower compensation, making it less appealing for job seekers.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
