How Much Does a CNA Make in Oklahoma in 2026?
Typical pay for CNAs in Oklahoma, from federal wage data (May 2025), with pay by city, the ten-year trend, and how the state compares.
BLS OES May 2025 · Oklahoma · typical annual pay from the lowest-paid tenth to the highest-paid tenth
A typical CNA in Oklahoma earns about $17.27 per hour ($35,930 per year), according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That's about 15% below the national figure of $42,260 per year, and Oklahoma ranks 47th out of 51 states for CNA pay. Lower pay in Oklahoma generally tracks the state's lower cost of living. The state's 19,410 CNAs make up a substantial share of its direct-care workforce.
How much does a CNA make in Oklahoma?
CNA pay by career stage in Oklahoma
| Career stage | Oklahoma | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Starting out | $29,630$14.24 an hour | $33,940$16.32 an hour |
| First years | $32,900$15.82 an hour | $37,260$17.91 an hour |
| Typical CNA | $35,930$17.27 an hour | $42,260$20.32 an hour |
| Experienced | $38,250$18.39 an hour | $47,220$22.70 an hour |
| Top 10% | $42,870$20.61 an hour | $51,980$24.99 an hour |
BLS OES May 2025 · starting out is the 10th percentile, first years the 25th, typical the median, experienced the 75th, top 10% the 90th
CNA pay growth in Oklahoma
Typical (median) annual wage for CNAs in Oklahoma · BLS OES May estimates, 2015 to 2025 · hover a bar for the year-over-year change
In 2015, Oklahoma CNAs typically earned $22,490 a year. By 2025, that figure had climbed to $35,930, a 60% rise over the decade. Nationally, CNA pay rose about 64% over the same stretch, so Oklahoma's growth has kept close pace with the national trend even while trailing it slightly. For someone starting a CNA career in Oklahoma today, that decade of steady increases shows pay has been moving in the right direction, though no specific future raise is guaranteed.
CNA salary by city in Oklahoma
Pay varies modestly across Oklahoma's metro areas. Tulsa pays the most, with CNAs there typically earning $36,720 a year ($17.65 an hour), figures that reflect the entire Tulsa metro area. Oklahoma City follows closely at $36,560. Lawton and Enid trail behind, with Enid's typical pay of $34,250 marking the low end. The gap between the highest- and lowest-paying metro areas is about $2,470 a year, a modest spread that often comes down to differences in local cost of living.
| # | City | Typical pay | Hourly | Vs Oklahoma | CNAs employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tulsa | $36,720 | $17.65 | +2% | 5,420 |
| 2 | Oklahoma City | $36,560 | $17.58 | +2% | 6,150 |
| 3 | Lawton | $35,190 | $16.92 | -2% | 490 |
| 4 | Enid | $34,250 | $16.47 | -5% | 270 |
Each row is one BLS metro area; cities that share a metro share its figures · BLS OES May 2025 · Oklahoma typical pay $35,930
How Oklahoma compares with nearby states
Among Oklahoma's neighbors, Colorado pays CNAs the most, with typical pay of $47,380 a year, about 32% higher than Oklahoma. New Mexico, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas also pay somewhat more. Arkansas is the exception, paying about 4% less than Oklahoma. A CNA licensed in Oklahoma can often test or transfer into a nearby state, so it's worth knowing how pay compares just across the border.
| State | Typical pay | Vs Oklahoma |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | $35,930 | baseline |
| Colorado | $47,380 | +32% |
| New Mexico | $39,390 | +10% |
| Kansas | $38,010 | +6% |
| Missouri | $37,680 | +5% |
| Texas | $37,500 | +4% |
| Arkansas | $34,430 | -4% |
Bordering states, ranked by typical CNA pay · BLS OES May 2025
Is Oklahoma a good state for CNAs?
CNAs in Oklahoma earn less than in most states: typical pay is $35,930 a year, 15% below the national figure, ranking 47th of 51. For every 1,000 jobs in Oklahoma, about 11 are CNA positions; nationally, the figure is closer to 9.3. That makes the local economy more reliant on CNAs than most places, and turnover keeps positions opening through the year. Pay trails the national figure here, but demand does not: CNAs make up a larger share of Oklahoma's workforce than in most states.
Summary
Oklahoma CNAs earn a typical $17.27 an hour ($35,930 a year) today, up 60% over the past decade, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). Pay runs below the national figure but has moved steadily upward. Anyone considering the role can check Oklahoma's state registry page for certification requirements, and the city pages for Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Lawton, and Enid for local pay figures.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a CNA make in Oklahoma?
- A typical CNA in Oklahoma earns about $17.27 an hour, or $35,930 a year, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That's around 15% below the national figure of $42,260 a year.
- How much does a CNA make an hour in Oklahoma?
- CNAs in Oklahoma typically earn $17.27 an hour, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). Entry-level positions typically offer around $14.24 an hour, while experienced CNAs often earn upwards of $20.61 an hour.
- What is the starting pay for a CNA in Oklahoma?
- Entry-level CNAs in Oklahoma typically start around $14.24 an hour, or about $29,630 a year, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). Pay often rises to around $32,900 a year with a bit of experience.
- Which city in Oklahoma pays CNAs the most?
- Tulsa pays CNAs the most in Oklahoma, with typical pay of $36,720 a year ($17.65 an hour), figures covering the full Tulsa metro area. Oklahoma City is close behind at $36,560 a year, while Lawton and Enid pay somewhat less.
- Is CNA pay in Oklahoma higher than the national rate?
- No. Oklahoma CNAs earn a typical $35,930 a year, about 15% below the national figure of $42,260, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). Oklahoma ranks 47th out of 51 states for CNA pay.