Oklahoma Teacher Pay: Setting the Record Straight

Strategic Insights -

Despite longstanding stereotypes, Oklahoma teacher pay is not near the bottom of the region. In fact, according to data from liberal groups such as the National Education Association (NEA) and the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA), Oklahoma teacher pay is highly competitive. A report from the NEA showed that Oklahoma's average teacher salary in 2023-2024 was $61,330, which was higher than the average in three of six states bordering Oklahoma. Additionally, OSSBA reports that Oklahoma's average teacher pay surged from $45,292 in the 2016-2017 school year to $61,686 by the 2024-2025 school year.

Key Takeaways:

  • Oklahoma's average teacher salary was $61,330 in 2023-2024, higher than the average in three of six states bordering Oklahoma.
  • The Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA) reports that Oklahoma's average teacher pay surged from $45,292 in the 2016-2017 school year to $61,686 by the 2024-2025 school year.
  • Despite ranking 34th highest among the 50 states in terms of raw figures, Oklahoma's average teacher salary ranks about 29th best when adjusted for cost-of-living differences.
  • Oklahoma's teacher pay is highly competitive in the region, particularly when compared to neighboring states such as Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri.
  • A modest cost-of-living difference means Oklahoma teachers come out slightly ahead when compared to Texas teachers.
  • Oklahoma's average teacher salary is equivalent to around $86,000 in both Hawaii and Rhode Island when adjusted for cost-of-living differences.

Statistics:

  • Oklahoma's average teacher salary in 2023-2024 was $61,330.
  • The Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA) reports that Oklahoma's average teacher pay surged from $45,292 in the 2016-2017 school year to $61,686 by the 2024-2025 school year.
  • Oklahoma's average teacher salary ranked 34th highest among the 50 states in 2023-2024.
  • Oklahoma's average teacher salary ranks about 29th best when adjusted for cost-of-living differences.
  • A cost-of-living difference of $2,100 separates Oklahoma from Texas.
  • Oklahoma's average teacher pay of $61,330 is equivalent to around $86,000 in both Hawaii and Rhode Island.

Sources:

  • National Education Association (NEA) April 2023 report
  • Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA) 2024-2025 school year report