Elementary School Teacher Salary in Oklahoma: $49,064 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Oklahoma's 27 metropolitan areas, the average median elementary school teacher pay sits at $49,064/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 25-2021. Because Oklahoma sits at BEA RPP 88.9 (11% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $55,190 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Broken Arrow ($58,143), Norman ($57,638), Moore ($56,866).
In 2026, the average median salary for elementary school teachers in Oklahoma is projected to be $49,064, significantly lower than the national median of $64,597, reflecting a gap of 24.0%. Among the cities in Oklahoma, Broken Arrow offers the highest salary at $58,713, while Enid has the lowest at $47,299, illustrating a disparity of $11,414. Factors contributing to this difference include local funding for education, cost of living variations, and specific district policies. Oklahoma's state licensing requirements involve passing proficiency assessments and completing a teacher preparation program, which ensures that educators are qualified to enter the classroom. Demand drivers such as population growth in urban areas and ongoing efforts to improve educational outcomes may influence job openings and teacher needs across the state. The overall job market for elementary school teachers in Oklahoma appears stable, with a projected growth rate of 0.98% annually. With approximately 11,028 elementary school teachers employed, opportunities may be more favorable in metropolitan areas, where salaries tend to be higher, reflecting the localized demand for quality educators. As you consider a teaching career in Oklahoma, understanding these dynamics can provide valuable insights into your potential earnings and job prospects.
Oklahoma Elementary School Teacher Salary Range
Overall salary range in Oklahoma: $40,143 (lowest entry-level) to $91,005 (highest top earner)
Oklahoma vs National Average
Oklahoma elementary school teachers earn 24.05% less than the national median ($-15,533/year difference).
Oklahoma Elementary School Teacher Salary Distribution (2026)
Elementary School Teacher salaries in Oklahoma range from $46,643 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $72,160 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $49,064. The Oklahoma median is $15,533 below the US national median of $64,597. The average hourly rate is $23.59/hr. Approximately 11,028 elementary school teachers are employed across 27 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,758
2025 BLS Actual
$48,588
2026 Current Est.
$49,064
2019–2027 Growth
+8.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Oklahoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,758 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,702 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,660 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,430 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,093 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,496 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,588 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,064 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,545 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oklahoma metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 6.2% from $45,758 (2019) to $48,588 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,545 by 2027 — a total increase of $3,787 (8.28%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oklahoma 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 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Oklahoma
Lowest Paying Cities in Oklahoma
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Enid | $47,299 |
| Lawton | $47,794 |
| Tulsa | $48,693 |
| Oklahoma City | $49,258 |
| Sand Springs | $52,782 |
Best Value Cities for Elementary School Teachers in Oklahoma
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Oklahoma cities offer the most purchasing power for elementary school teachers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broken Arrow | $58,713 | 88.9 | $66,044 |
| Norman | $58,203 | 88.9 | $65,470 |
| Moore | $57,423 | 88.9 | $64,593 |
| Midwest City | $56,911 | 88.9 | $64,017 |
| Yukon | $56,717 | 88.9 | $63,799 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Oklahoma
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $46,643 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $49,064 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $72,160 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Oklahoma metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 27 Cities in Oklahoma
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Broken Arrow | $58,713 |
| 2 | Norman | $58,203 |
| 3 | Moore | $57,423 |
| 4 | Midwest City | $56,911 |
| 5 | Yukon | $56,717 |
| 6 | Bartlesville | $56,339 |
| 7 | Owasso | $55,982 |
| 8 | Muskogee | $55,924 |
| 9 | Stillwater | $55,863 |
| 10 | Shawnee | $55,809 |
| 11 | Edmond | $55,431 |
| 12 | Tahlequah | $55,127 |
| 13 | Bixby | $55,042 |
| 14 | Jenks | $54,833 |
| 15 | Claremore | $54,717 |
| 16 | Altus | $54,445 |
| 17 | Ardmore | $54,346 |
| 18 | Bethany | $54,345 |
| 19 | Sapulpa | $54,160 |
| 20 | Del City | $53,996 |
| 21 | Durant | $53,763 |
| 22 | Ponca City | $53,353 |
| 23 | Sand Springs | $52,782 |
| 24 | Oklahoma City | $49,258 |
| 25 | Tulsa | $48,693 |
| 26 | Lawton | $47,794 |
| 27 | Enid | $47,299 |
More Oklahoma Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore elementary school teacher hourly pay in Oklahoma cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced elementary school teachers.
Explore More Elementary School Teacher Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elementary school teachers make in Oklahoma in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for elementary school teachers in Oklahoma?
How does Oklahoma elementary school teacher pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level elementary school teacher salary in Oklahoma?
How many elementary school teachers are employed in Oklahoma?
Which Oklahoma city offers the best value for elementary school teachers?
Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide 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. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 elementary school teacher compensation across Oklahoma. State averages are employment-weighted across 27 metro areas — larger metro areas with more elementary school teacherscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov