What is the average teacher salary in Oklahoma?

The average public-school teacher salary in Oklahoma is approximately $53,088 per year (source: Oklahoma State Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

How does Oklahoma teacher pay compare to the national average?

Oklahoma teachers earn about 22% below the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.

Do Oklahoma teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Oklahoma districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.

What's the highest-paying school district in Oklahoma?

Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Oklahoma.

Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Oklahoma?

Yes. Almost every Oklahoma district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.

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2026 Salary Guide

Teacher Salaries in Oklahoma

Oklahoma teachers earn an average of $53,088 per year — 22% below the national average.

$53,088State Average

$36,000Entry-Level (BS)

#48National Rank

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Oklahoma Teacher Salary Overview

$36,000Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$53,088Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

$68,469National AverageNational Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24

▼ Oklahoma teachers earn 22% less than the national average (-$15,381)

How Oklahoma Teacher Salaries Work

Oklahoma uses a state minimum salary schedule. Districts add local supplements. Edmond, Jenks, Union (Tulsa suburb), and Deer Creek are among the highest-paying districts. Rural districts in the panhandle and southeast Oklahoma pay near the minimum.

Key Factors That Affect Your Salary

Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.

Additional context:

Oklahoma teachers staged a major walkout in 2018 over low pay and funding cuts. The legislature subsequently passed significant pay increases. Despite improvements, Oklahoma remains near the bottom nationally.

Top Hiring Districts in Oklahoma

These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard. Districts with more openings are often the most actively growing or have the most competitive pay.

Caddo309 open positions Putnam City156 open positions Lexington126 open positions Jenks121 open positions Mustang116 open positions Enid96 open positions Ponca City81 open positions Davidson80 open positions Yukon71 open positions Grand View68 open positions

1,943 total open positions across Oklahoma school districts.

Browse All Oklahoma Teaching Jobs

See the full picture

Oklahoma ranks #48 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Oklahoma?

Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid Oklahoma teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.

Oklahoma Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in Oklahoma — apply directly on district sites.

View Oklahoma jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Oklahoma State Department of Education / NEA 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the Oklahoma Department of Education.