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Nursing jobs in Oklahoma 2026

Vacancies, salaries, EB-3 demand and licensing — verified against BLS OEWS 2025 + HRSA NCHWA 2026.

RN Shortage
5,500
High 10.5%
Median Annual Salary
$85,060
$40.89/hr
COL-Adjusted
$82,360
COL index: 89.5
Compact State?
Yes
NLC multistate eligible

Key insight

In Oklahoma, there is a shortage of 5,500 registered nurses as of 2026 — 10.5% of the state's nursing workforce demand. Median RN salary is $85,060 per year. After cost of living adjustment, purchasing power equals $82,360 in national terms. This is a HIGH-priority EB-3 sponsorship state — international nurses are actively recruited here.

Top hiring cities

  • • Oklahoma City
  • • Tulsa
  • • Norman

State nursing board

Oklahoma Board of Nursing
Endorsement fee: $150 · NCLEX attempts allowed: 8/year
Licensing portal