HOURLY WAGE INDEX
Let’s talk wages in Oklahoma
What is the minimum wage in Oklahoma?
The minimum wage in Oklahoma is $7.25 per hour, which is the same as the federal minimum wage set by the Fair Labor Standards Act. However, some cities and counties in Oklahoma have passed their own minimum wage laws that set a higher minimum wage for employees within their jurisdiction. For example, Oklahoma City has a minimum wage of $11.50 per hour for employees who work within the city limits, and Norman has a minimum wage of $12.00 per hour for employees who work within the city limits. It's important for employees and employers to be aware of the minimum wage laws that apply to them, as they may vary depending on location.
It's worth noting that discussions and debates surrounding the Oklahoma minimum wage have occurred, with calls for potential increases in recent years. Changes to the minimum wage in Oklahoma would require legislative action, and any adjustments would be influenced by factors such as economic conditions, political considerations, and public opinion on the importance of fair wages.
What is the average wage in Oklahoma?
The average wage in Oklahoma varies depending on the occupation and industry. As of 2023, the average hourly wage in Oklahoma is $25.70 per hour, and the average annual salary is $53,450. However, this varies significantly depending on the occupation. For example, the average hourly wage for a retail salesperson in Oklahoma is $11.81, while the average hourly wage for a registered nurse is $28.79.
In general, the highest paying industries in Oklahoma include healthcare, finance, and energy. For example, the average annual salary for a healthcare administrator in Oklahoma is $89,000, while the average annual salary for a financial analyst is $74,000. On the other hand, the lowest paying industries in Oklahoma include retail and food service.
What is the living wage in Oklahoma?
A guide to hourly labor laws in Oklahoma
- Standard Minimum Wage: $7.25 (Okla. Stat. tit. 40, § 197.1 et seq.) (29 US Code § 206).
- Tipped Minimum Wage: $3.625, or 50% of the minimum wage, with tips totaling at least minimum wage (Okla. Stat. tit. 40, § 197.16) (DoL Table).
- Overtime: Hours exceeding 40 in a fixed week are overtime, paid at 1.5 times the regular rate (29 US Code § 207) (DoL).
- Meal Breaks: No state or federal law requiring meal breaks. Federal law allows unpaid, non-working, bonafide meal breaks over 30 minutes; exceptions may apply (29 C.F.R. § 785.19) (DoL).
- Rest Breaks: No state or federal law requires rest breaks. Breaks lasting 5–20 minutes must be paid (29 C.F.R. § 785.18).
- Wage Deductions: Only those required by law, such as taxes, and those authorized by the employee in writing. Third-party deductions benefitting the employer may not reduce wages below the applicable minimum (Okla. Stat. tit. 40, § 165.2) (29 C.F.R. § 4.168) (29 US Code § 203).
- Final Paychecks: On the next regular payday (Okla. Stat. tit. 40, § 165.3).
- Wage Payment Frequency: Semi-monthly on regularly scheduled paydays (Okla. Stat. tit. 40, § 165.2).
- Paid Sick Leave: No state/federal law. Policies are determined by the employer or through collective bargaining agreements (DoL).
- Paid Family and Medical Leave: No paid leave. Up to 12 unpaid weeks in one year for eligible employees (FMLA).
- Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children Under 16:
- School session: No working during school hours; up to three hours per day and 18 hours per week.
- Non-school session: Up to eight hours per day and 40 hours per week. Working hours: Only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., extended until 9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day (Okla. Stat. tit. 40, § 75) (29 C.F.R. § 570.35).
- Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children 16 and 17: State and federal laws do not restrict 16- and 17-year-olds’ working hours in non-hazardous occupations (DoL) (Okla. Stat. tit. 40, § 75).
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
What is a good hourly wage?
This question is a difficult one to answer, as a "good hourly wage" is highly subjective according to experience, work responsibilities, cost of living, and other factors. We recommend using Hourly Wage Index data as a starting point. Once you have established a baseline for certain positions, do further research into similar businesses in your area. Lastly, consider surveying your employees. They're the best resource to help you know what is a good hourly wage, what competitive pay looks like in your location, and how competitive wages change in your industry over time.
Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?
We know that getting applicants to pay attention to your business can be extremely challenging, and that offering competitive pay is a huge part of that. Wages aren’t everything, however! Applicant experience is another important factor that can help set you apart from your competition. A few examples include:
- Short, easy to understand job descriptions
- Mobile-friendliness
- Quick communication
- Streamlined interview stages
Resources
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A Workstream hiring specialist can help you identify high impact ways to improve your applicant experience, and even help you determine what is a good hourly wage for your location and business.