Oklahoma state employee pay study finds salaries 48 percent below market
- mike33692
- Feb 16
- 1 min read
A new report is drawing attention to a widening gap between public and private wages, as an Oklahoma state employee pay study finds government salaries trail market rates by nearly half in some job categories.
The analysis, reported by Oklahoma Voice, cites findings from the Office of Management and Enterprise Services showing state workers earn about 48 percent less than comparable private-sector positions. The average state salary sits just above $59,000, while turnover remains high.
Oklahoma state employee pay study highlights salary gap
The Oklahoma state employee pay study outlines a workforce challenge facing agencies statewide. Officials say low wages make recruitment and retention difficult, particularly in specialized positions that require technical or professional experience.
State leaders warn the pay disparity has contributed to a 21 percent turnover rate across multiple agencies. That turnover often increases training costs and slows operations, as experienced staff leave for higher-paying private-sector jobs.
Legislative response to Oklahoma state employee pay study
In response to the findings, State Senator Mark Mann has introduced legislation to create a compensation board focused on evaluating salaries and recommending adjustments.
Supporters say a structured review process could help lawmakers understand how state jobs compare to market wages and prioritize adjustments. Critics caution that budget constraints may limit how quickly changes can be implemented.
Workforce impact and long-term concerns
Experts say persistent salary gaps can affect service delivery, particularly in agencies that rely on skilled professionals such as IT specialists, auditors, and healthcare staff.
The Oklahoma state employee pay study underscores ongoing debates about workforce sustainability and the state’s ability to compete for talent in a tight labor market.