Data Scientist Salary in Oklahoma City 2025
Quick Answer
Data Scientist Salary in Oklahoma City: Full Breakdown
Based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data from 2024, data scientists in Oklahoma City earn an average of $94,210 annually. This figure represents the mean wage for SOC code 15-2051 (Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations) in the Oklahoma City metropolitan statistical area (MSA 36420).
For context, this salary reflects compensation for professionals who develop machine learning models, analyze large datasets, build predictive algorithms, and drive data-driven decision-making across industries including healthcare, finance, energy, and technology sectors.
How Oklahoma City Compares Nationally
Oklahoma City’s data scientist salary of $94,210 positions the city competitively within the national market. The Oklahoma City metropolitan area has emerged as a secondary tech hub in the South-Central United States, attracting talent with competitive compensation packages while maintaining a lower cost of living than major coastal tech centers like San Francisco, New York, or Boston.
The city benefits from a growing presence of Fortune 500 companies, including energy sector leaders, healthcare organizations, and financial services firms that actively recruit data science talent. This competitive landscape helps support solid wage growth in the field.
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Learn More →Cost of Living Context
Oklahoma City offers one of the most affordable cost-of-living profiles among mid-sized American cities with growing tech sectors. The lower housing costs, transportation expenses, and general cost of goods compared to national averages mean that a $94,210 salary in Oklahoma City provides stronger purchasing power than the same salary would in higher-cost metropolitan areas.
This cost-of-living advantage is particularly significant for data scientists early in their careers or those relocating from expensive tech hubs. A data scientist earning $94,210 in Oklahoma City can afford comfortable housing, save aggressively, and enjoy a higher standard of living than peers earning similar salaries in San Francisco, Seattle, or New York.
Salary Trends and Market Outlook
The data scientist field has experienced substantial growth over the past decade as organizations across all sectors recognize the strategic value of data-driven decision-making. Oklahoma City’s market reflects this national trend, with increasing demand for professionals who can translate complex datasets into actionable business insights.
The $94,210 average salary in 2024 reflects a maturing market for data science talent in the region. As more companies establish data science teams and invest in analytics infrastructure, competition for qualified candidates continues to drive compensation upward.
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Learn More →Top Industries Hiring Data Scientists in Oklahoma City
Several major sectors actively recruit data scientists in the Oklahoma City area:
- Energy & Utilities: Oklahoma’s traditional strength in oil and gas continues, with companies investing in data analytics for operations optimization, predictive maintenance, and supply chain management
- Healthcare: Major hospital systems and healthcare providers require data scientists for clinical analytics, patient outcome prediction, and operational efficiency
- Financial Services: Banks and credit unions in the region employ data scientists for risk assessment, fraud detection, and customer analytics
- Technology Services: Growing software and IT services companies build data science capabilities
Job Outlook for Data Scientists
Data science remains one of the fastest-growing occupational fields in the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth in mathematical and data science roles through 2034. Oklahoma City benefits from this national trend, with steady job openings across multiple industries.
Organizations increasingly recognize that data science is not a luxury but a core competency. This shift creates sustained demand for qualified professionals who can:
- Build and deploy machine learning models
- Conduct statistical analysis and experimentation
- Design data pipelines and ETL processes
- Communicate insights to non-technical stakeholders
- Work with cloud platforms and big data technologies
The typical educational requirement for data scientist positions is a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree or relevant certifications in machine learning and data engineering.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for a data scientist in Oklahoma City?
Entry-level data scientist positions in Oklahoma City typically start in the $65,000–$75,000 range, depending on education level, technical skills, and prior experience. Candidates with master’s degrees, strong portfolios, or internship experience may command higher starting offers. The $94,210 average reflects experienced professionals and represents growth potential over a 5–10 year career trajectory.
How does the data scientist job market in Oklahoma City compare to other cities?
Oklahoma City offers a unique value proposition: competitive salaries combined with significantly lower cost of living than major tech hubs. While cities like San Francisco or Seattle may offer higher nominal salaries (often $130,000–$180,000+), Oklahoma City’s $94,210 salary stretches further due to lower housing costs, taxes, and general expenses. For professionals prioritizing quality of life and financial stability over maximum salary, Oklahoma City presents an attractive option.
What skills command the highest salaries for data scientists in Oklahoma City?
Data scientists with expertise in machine learning, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop), and advanced programming languages (Python, R, SQL) typically earn at the higher end of the salary range. Additionally, domain expertise in healthcare, finance, or energy sectors—Oklahoma City’s major industries—can increase earning potential. Professionals with both technical depth and business acumen often negotiate higher compensation.
Is it worth relocating to Oklahoma City as a data scientist?
For many professionals, Oklahoma City presents a compelling relocation opportunity. The $94,210 average salary, combined with significantly lower housing costs than coastal tech centers, allows for faster wealth accumulation, home ownership, and financial security. The city offers a growing tech community, quality of life, and lower stress than overcrowded major metros. However, Oklahoma City has a smaller overall tech ecosystem than Silicon Valley or Seattle, which may limit job options if you need to change roles frequently.
What education do I need to become a data scientist in Oklahoma City?
Most data scientist positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, physics, engineering, or economics. Many employers prefer or require a master’s degree in data science, statistics, machine learning, or a related field. Practical experience matters significantly—candidates with strong portfolios, GitHub repositories, Kaggle competition results, or relevant internships can compete effectively even without advanced degrees.
How much experience affects data scientist salary in Oklahoma City?
Experience significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions (0–2 years) typically start around $65,000–$75,000. Mid-level data scientists (3–7 years) generally earn $85,000–$110,000. Senior data scientists and machine learning engineers (8+ years) can exceed $120,000, especially in leadership roles or with specialized expertise. The $94,210 average reflects a mix of experience levels across the Oklahoma City market.
Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. Data for SOC code 15-2051 (Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations) in Oklahoma City MSA 36420.
Last Updated: April 10, 2026
Disclaimer: Salary data presented here is based on public sources including the Bureau of Labor Statistics and represents aggregate averages. Actual compensation varies significantly based on employer, experience, education, specific skills, and market conditions. This content is informational only and should not be construed as financial or career advice. Consult with career counselors, recruiters, or compensation specialists for personalized guidance.