Top 100 Critical Occupations
These are Oklahoma’s top critical occupations.
This list identifies occupations that are in high demand and are projected to have positive future growth. Several of these occupations support Oklahoma’s Industry Clusters, showing the broader impact each job had on the demand for the Oklahoma economy.
Learn more about the methodology in making this list by clicking here.
Top 100 Critical Occupations List
| SOC | Description | 2021 Jobs | 2030 Jobs | 2021 - 2030 Change | 2021-2030 % Change | Median Hourly Earnings | Median Annual Earnings | Avg. Annual Openings | Typical Entry Level Education | Typical On-The-Job Training |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53-3032 | Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 24,405 | 25,172 | 767 | 3% | $22.95 | $47,736.00 | 3,267 | Postsecondary nondegree award | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 11-1021 | General and Operations Managers | 30,297 | 32,542 | 2,245 | 7% | $37.57 | $78,145.60 | 2,865 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 29-1141 | Registered Nurses | 31,164 | 31,853 | 688 | 2% | $29.89 | $62,171.20 | 2,077 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 49-9071 | Maintenance and Repair Workers, General | 15,679 | 16,751 | 1,072 | 7% | $17.27 | $35,921.60 | 1,713 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 13-2011 | Accountants and Auditors | 15,210 | 16,331 | 1,121 | 7% | $34.29 | $71,323.20 | 1,550 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 53-3033 | Light Truck Drivers | 11,122 | 12,352 | 1,231 | 11% | $17.16 | $35,692.80 | 1,412 | High school diploma or equivalent | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 41-3091 | Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel | 9,875 | 10,196 | 321 | 3% | $23.01 | $47,860.80 | 1,375 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 16,047 | 16,759 | 712 | 4% | $23.91 | $49,730.00 | 1,294 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 43-6013 | Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | 8,616 | 8,948 | 332 | 4% | $17.47 | $36,337.60 | 1,132 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 53-7051 | Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | 7,964 | 9,422 | 1,458 | 18% | $18.31 | $38,084.80 | 1,098 | No formal educational credential | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 51-1011 | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | 8,847 | 8,922 | 74 | 1% | $29.58 | $61,526.40 | 1,021 | High school diploma or equivalent | None |
| 47-2111 | Electricians | 7,566 | 7,848 | 283 | 4% | $25.12 | $52,249.60 | 937 | High school diploma or equivalent | Apprenticeship |
| 13-1071 | Human Resources Specialists | 7,497 | 8,103 | 607 | 8% | $23.86 | $49,628.80 | 852 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 49-3023 | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 7,611 | 7,666 | 55 | 1% | $22.20 | $46,176.00 | 850 | Postsecondary nondegree award | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 33-3051 | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | 8,872 | 9,583 | 711 | 8% | $24.27 | $50,481.60 | 818 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 53-1047 | First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 6,711 | 7,161 | 451 | 7% | $25.21 | $52,436.80 | 805 | High school diploma or equivalent | None |
| 47-2152 | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 6,013 | 6,039 | 25 | 0% | $22.83 | $47,486.40 | 758 | High school diploma or equivalent | Apprenticeship |
| 13-1161 | Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | 6,106 | 7,171 | 1,065 | 17% | $23.92 | $49,753.60 | 755 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 49-1011 | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 6,959 | 7,162 | 203 | 3% | $31.20 | $64,896.00 | 724 | High school diploma or equivalent | None |
| 43-5061 | Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks | 5,409 | 5,521 | 112 | 2% | $22.82 | $47,465.60 | 683 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 21-1021 | Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 5,760 | 5,973 | 213 | 4% | $20.13 | $41,870.40 | 671 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 15-1252 | Software Developers | 5,971 | 7,374 | 1,403 | 23% | $45.85 | $95,368.00 | 629 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 15-1232 | Computer User Support Specialists | 6,423 | 6,437 | 14 | 0% | $22.80 | $47,424.00 | 609 | Some college, no degree | None |
| 13-1082 | Project Management Specialists | 7,008 | 7,184 | 177 | 3% | $37.30 | $77,584.00 | 609 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 31-9091 | Dental Assistants | 4,315 | 4,656 | 342 | 8% | $18.04 | $37,523.20 | 598 | Postsecondary nondegree award | None |
| 11-9111 | Medical and Health Services Managers | 5,499 | 6,582 | 1,083 | 20% | $39.75 | $82,680.00 | 578 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 39-9031 | Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | 2,492 | 3,833 | 1,341 | 54% | $17.67 | $36,753.60 | 567 | High school diploma or equivalent | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 41-3021 | Insurance Sales Agents | 4,838 | 4,954 | 116 | 2% | $22.60 | $47,008.00 | 540 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 13-1199 | Business Operations Specialists, All Other | 5,927 | 6,441 | 514 | 9% | $36.26 | $75,420.80 | 531 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 11-3031 | Financial Managers | 5,793 | 6,531 | 738 | 13% | $55.79 | $116,043.20 | 516 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 13-1111 | Management Analysts | 4,592 | 5,175 | 583 | 13% | $37.80 | $78,624.00 | 514 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 49-9021 | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 4,306 | 4,369 | 63 | 1% | $22.69 | $47,195.20 | 499 | Postsecondary nondegree award | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 21-1018 | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | 3,633 | 4,267 | 634 | 17% | $22.84 | $47,507.20 | 471 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 33-2011 | Firefighters | 4,734 | 5,113 | 379 | 8% | $22.85 | $47,528.00 | 449 | Postsecondary nondegree award | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 13-1151 | Training and Development Specialists | 3,892 | 4,088 | 196 | 5% | $25.69 | $53,435.20 | 431 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 23-1011 | Lawyers | 6,959 | 7,034 | 75 | 1% | $45.31 | $94,244.80 | 401 | Doctoral or professional degree | None |
| 27-2022 | Coaches and Scouts | 2,290 | 2,725 | 435 | 19% | $15.84 | $32,950.00 | 398 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 21-1012 | Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | 3,624 | 3,691 | 67 | 2% | $23.70 | $49,296.00 | 375 | Master's degree | None |
| 13-1081 | Logisticians | 3,307 | 3,891 | 583 | 18% | $37.25 | $77,480.00 | 363 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 29-2018 | Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | 4,289 | 4,479 | 190 | 4% | $22.59 | $46,987.20 | 349 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 41-9022 | Real Estate Sales Agents | 2,903 | 2,995 | 92 | 3% | $19.02 | $39,561.60 | 342 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 53-7081 | Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors | 2,092 | 2,315 | 222 | 11% | $17.89 | $37,211.20 | 328 | No formal educational credential | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 51-9124 | Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 2,470 | 2,509 | 39 | 2% | $18.07 | $37,585.60 | 321 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 51-3023 | Slaughterers and Meat Packers | 1,851 | 2,117 | 266 | 14% | $17.63 | $36,670.40 | 308 | No formal educational credential | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 11-9013 | Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers | 2,181 | 2,283 | 101 | 5% | $17.54 | $36,479.68 | 306 | High school diploma or equivalent | None |
| 15-1211 | Computer Systems Analysts | 3,199 | 3,292 | 93 | 3% | $38.08 | $79,206.40 | 305 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 11-3021 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | 3,165 | 3,374 | 209 | 7% | $57.70 | $120,016.00 | 295 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 49-2022 | Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers | 1,771 | 1,846 | 75 | 4% | $23.21 | $48,276.80 | 286 | Postsecondary nondegree award | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 11-9021 | Construction Managers | 2,911 | 3,156 | 246 | 8% | $43.61 | $90,708.80 | 283 | Bachelor's degree | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 49-9051 | Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 2,235 | 2,330 | 95 | 4% | $29.98 | $62,358.40 | 280 | High school diploma or equivalent | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 25-9031 | Instructional Coordinators | 2,567 | 2,594 | 26 | 1% | $23.97 | $49,857.60 | 273 | Master's degree | None |
| 41-3031 | Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | 2,548 | 2,636 | 88 | 3% | $23.54 | $48,963.20 | 269 | Bachelor's degree | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 11-9032 | Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | 3,144 | 3,296 | 152 | 5% | $37.11 | $77,190.00 | 268 | Master's degree | None |
| 29-1171 | Nurse Practitioners | 2,548 | 3,384 | 837 | 33% | $52.72 | $109,657.60 | 244 | Master's degree | None |
| 29-2034 | Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | 2,808 | 2,865 | 56 | 2% | $28.87 | $60,049.60 | 244 | Associate's degree | None |
| 51-8031 | Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | 2,029 | 2,042 | 12 | 1% | $18.05 | $37,544.00 | 243 | High school diploma or equivalent | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 21-1022 | Healthcare Social Workers | 2,237 | 2,308 | 71 | 3% | $23.12 | $48,089.60 | 238 | Master's degree | Internship/residency |
| 11-9199 | Managers, All Other | 2,389 | 2,691 | 302 | 13% | $43.79 | $91,083.20 | 231 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 43-5032 | Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance | 1,902 | 1,935 | 33 | 2% | $18.46 | $38,396.80 | 228 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 29-1292 | Dental Hygienists | 2,289 | 2,503 | 214 | 9% | $38.17 | $79,393.60 | 219 | Associate's degree | None |
| 31-2021 | Physical Therapist Assistants | 1,367 | 1,666 | 299 | 22% | $28.81 | $59,924.80 | 218 | Associate's degree | None |
| 43-5031 | Public Safety Telecommunicators | 1,984 | 2,125 | 141 | 7% | $17.48 | $36,358.40 | 218 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 15-1244 | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 2,550 | 2,563 | 13 | 1% | $37.03 | $77,022.40 | 216 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 13-2082 | Tax Preparers | 1,183 | 1,329 | 146 | 12% | $17.02 | $35,401.60 | 188 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-3015 | Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1,265 | 1,269 | 4 | 0% | $17.35 | $36,088.00 | 188 | High school diploma or equivalent | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 51-9199 | Production Workers, All Other | 1,059 | 1,145 | 86 | 8% | $17.63 | $36,670.40 | 188 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 37-2021 | Pest Control Workers | 1,119 | 1,208 | 89 | 8% | $17.21 | $35,796.80 | 185 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 17-2141 | Mechanical Engineers | 2,232 | 2,273 | 41 | 2% | $43.43 | $90,334.40 | 181 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 17-2112 | Industrial Engineers | 1,963 | 2,252 | 289 | 15% | $39.25 | $81,640.00 | 179 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 47-2221 | Structural Iron and Steel Workers | 1,251 | 1,273 | 21 | 2% | $22.97 | $47,777.60 | 175 | High school diploma or equivalent | Apprenticeship |
| 27-1024 | Graphic Designers | 1,329 | 1,423 | 95 | 7% | $22.46 | $46,716.80 | 172 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 17-2199 | Engineers, All Other | 1,949 | 1,958 | 9 | 0% | $45.95 | $95,576.00 | 172 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 29-2043 | Paramedics | 1,630 | 1,811 | 181 | 11% | $18.58 | $38,646.40 | 166 | Postsecondary nondegree award | None |
| 49-2098 | Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | 1,005 | 1,150 | 145 | 14% | $22.63 | $47,070.40 | 164 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 51-7011 | Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters | 1,174 | 1,260 | 86 | 7% | $17.29 | $35,963.20 | 164 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 13-2051 | Financial and Investment Analysts | 1,636 | 1,735 | 99 | 6% | $30.62 | $63,689.60 | 163 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 17-2071 | Electrical Engineers | 1,749 | 1,770 | 21 | 1% | $47.52 | $98,841.60 | 161 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 29-1127 | Speech-Language Pathologists | 1,771 | 2,114 | 343 | 19% | $36.89 | $76,731.20 | 159 | Master's degree | Internship/residency |
| 25-2058 | Special Education Teachers, Secondary School | 1,768 | 1,821 | 52 | 3% | $28.94 | $60,190.00 | 157 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 29-2055 | Surgical Technologists | 1,705 | 1,737 | 32 | 2% | $22.42 | $46,633.60 | 150 | Postsecondary nondegree award | None |
| 49-9099 | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other | 1,109 | 1,210 | 101 | 9% | $17.96 | $37,356.80 | 150 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 37-1012 | First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers | 1,151 | 1,214 | 63 | 5% | $20.13 | $41,870.40 | 148 | High school diploma or equivalent | None |
| 29-1123 | Physical Therapists | 2,025 | 2,307 | 283 | 14% | $38.09 | $79,227.20 | 146 | Doctoral or professional degree | None |
| 13-2052 | Personal Financial Advisors | 1,283 | 1,382 | 98 | 8% | $37.16 | $77,292.80 | 139 | Bachelor's degree | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 29-1126 | Respiratory Therapists | 1,784 | 2,001 | 217 | 12% | $28.91 | $60,132.80 | 135 | Associate's degree | None |
| 13-1121 | Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | 877 | 1,073 | 196 | 22% | $22.54 | $46,883.20 | 135 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 11-2021 | Marketing Managers | 1,251 | 1,439 | 188 | 15% | $50.36 | $104,748.80 | 132 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 11-3121 | Human Resources Managers | 1,339 | 1,436 | 97 | 7% | $47.59 | $98,987.20 | 132 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 15-1253 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | 1,260 | 1,486 | 226 | 18% | $23.17 | $48,193.60 | 130 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 51-9011 | Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | 935 | 952 | 17 | 2% | $23.13 | $48,110.40 | 129 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 15-2051 | Data Scientists | 1,074 | 1,262 | 187 | 17% | $36.05 | $74,984.00 | 123 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 51-9032 | Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 895 | 901 | 6 | 1% | $17.92 | $37,273.60 | 122 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 11-3071 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | 1,230 | 1,353 | 123 | 10% | $35.80 | $74,464.00 | 121 | High school diploma or equivalent | None |
| 33-1091 | First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | 946 | 1,000 | 54 | 6% | $22.51 | $46,820.80 | 117 | High school diploma or equivalent | None |
| 21-1091 | Health Education Specialists | 884 | 929 | 45 | 5% | $28.90 | $60,112.00 | 114 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 29-2057 | Ophthalmic Medical Technicians | 1,143 | 1,268 | 125 | 11% | $17.48 | $36,358.40 | 114 | Postsecondary nondegree award | None |
| 19-5011 | Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | 1,155 | 1,162 | 8 | 1% | $30.97 | $64,417.60 | 111 | Bachelor's degree | None |
| 29-1229 | Physicians, All Other | 2,117 | 2,156 | 39 | 2% | $100.00 | $208,000.00 | 109 | Doctoral or professional degree | Internship/residency |
| 29-2056 | Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 1,001 | 1,083 | 83 | 8% | $17.13 | $35,630.40 | 106 | Associate's degree | None |
| 15-1212 | Information Security Analysts | 960 | 1,203 | 243 | 25% | $38.39 | $79,851.20 | 106 | Bachelor's degree | None |