Oklahoma Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Trade Industry Insights / Oklahoma Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Quick Takeaways on Trade Pay in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, trade demand rises and falls less with housing cycles and more with industrial uptime. Energy facilities, processing plants, and large mechanical systems create opportunities for workers who can handle maintenance, shutdowns, and troubleshooting under pressure.
- Higher-paying paths on this page: Lineworker, CDL Truck Driver, AV Technician.
- Highest-paying trade in Oklahoma (from this table): Lineworker ($82,277)
- Typical mid-range trade pay: Median across listed trades is about $54,425 per year.
- Pay range across these trades: About $34,771 separates the highest vs lowest listed trades in Oklahoma.
- Most stable demand in Oklahoma: industrial mechanical, electrical, and welding work tied to plants and utility-support operations.
- Best way to increase earnings: specialize into industrial maintenance and keep certifications current—paperwork credentials really do decide who gets the better sites.
- Top paying trades on this page: Lineworker ($82,277) · CDL Truck Driver ($69,138) · AV Technician ($64,064)
Job Outlook for Skilled Trades in Oklahoma
Demand is shaped most by energy-linked cycles plus steady construction/service demand in the Oklahoma City–Tulsa corridor, plus licensing rules, employer mix, and metro growth.
Oklahoma trade earnings are closely tied to industrial reliability, with specialized maintenance roles often offering higher long-term ceilings.
- Outlook: Stable (industrial reliability)
- What drives demand: energy-linked cycles plus steady construction/service demand in the Oklahoma City–Tulsa corridor.
- Where it’s hottest: major metros + fast-growing corridors (varies by trade).
- Biggest pay factors: experience, union coverage, licensing, overtime, and employer type.
Average Skilled Trade Pay in Oklahoma
Below is a snapshot of typical pay for popular trades in Oklahoma. Click a trade name to explore training paths, licensing steps, and career details.
Note: Some trades can rank high across many states due to national labor demand and standardized pay structures, but the exact pay levels still vary by state and metro area.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $24.75 | $990 | $4,294 | $51,480 |
| AV Technician | $30.80 | $1,232 | $5,339 | $64,064 |
| Carpenter | $24.13 | $966 | $4,186 | $50,230 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $33.22 | $1,330 | $5,761 | $69,138 |
| CNC Machinist | $22.83 | $913 | $3,959 | $47,506 |
| Construction | $24.23 | $970 | $4,203 | $50,438 |
| Concrete Finisher | $26.56 | $1,062 | $4,604 | $55,245 |
| Diesel Technician | $27.60 | $1,104 | $4,784 | $57,408 |
| Electrician | $29.25 | $1,170 | $5,070 | $60,840 |
| Heavy Equipment | $23.90 | $925 | $4,006 | $48,076 |
| HVAC Technician | $26.84 | $1,076 | $4,663 | $55,950 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $26.53 | $1,061 | $4,599 | $55,185 |
| Ironworker | $25.27 | $1,009 | $4,375 | $52,498 |
| Lineworker | $39.56 | $1,582 | $6,856 | $82,277 |
| Marine Mechanic | $27.46 | $1,098 | $4,758 | $57,052 |
| Mason | $25.80 | $1,032 | $4,472 | $53,664 |
| Plumber | $31.06 | $1,198 | $5,194 | $62,323 |
| Roofer | $23.35 | $934 | $4,047 | $48,568 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $24.70 | $942 | $4,083 | $48,991 |
| Welder | $23.55 | $938 | $4,066 | $48,790 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
About this table: wage data sources and methodology.
Why Oklahoma Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Oklahoma’s trade economy is shaped by energy production, utilities, transportation infrastructure, and industrial maintenance. Oil and gas operations, power generation, and pipeline systems create steady demand for electricians, welders, pipefitters, mechanics, and heavy equipment technicians. While population growth is moderate, the state’s industrial footprint keeps skilled trades in consistent demand.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Oklahoma City metro: Energy services, commercial construction, utilities, and infrastructure maintenance drive demand for electrical, HVAC, and mechanical trades.
- Tulsa: Oil and gas headquarters, manufacturing facilities, and pipeline-related work support welding, pipefitting, and industrial maintenance roles.
- Statewide energy corridors: Refineries, compressor stations, and transmission infrastructure create ongoing work for skilled trades.
- Rural regions: Agricultural operations and utilities rely on electricians, mechanics, and equipment technicians.
Major Employers and Contractors in Oklahoma
Tradespeople in Oklahoma commonly work with energy producers, utilities, and large industrial contractors, including:
- OG&E Energy Corp. — Power generation and utility infrastructure requiring electrical and mechanical trades.
- Devon Energy — Oil and gas operations supporting maintenance, welding, and electrical work.
- Williams Companies — Natural gas processing and pipeline infrastructure based in Tulsa.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a right-to-work state with a predominantly non-union trade workforce. Union programs exist but are concentrated in specific trades tied to utilities, pipelines, and large industrial projects.
Union Apprenticeships in Oklahoma
Union pathways in Oklahoma tend to focus on electrical, pipefitting, and industrial construction tied to energy and infrastructure projects:
- IBEW Local 1141 — Electrical apprenticeships serving Oklahoma City and central Oklahoma.
- IBEW Local 1002 — Electrical training and dispatch in the Tulsa region.
- UA Local 344 — Tulsa-based plumbers and pipefitters supporting industrial and pipeline systems.
Ready to start a trade career in Oklahoma?
Compare accredited trade schools and registered apprenticeships across Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Trade Schools & Apprenticeships