Oklahoma MINIMUM WAGES

Oklahoma State Minimum Wage for 2025

Since 2009, Oklahoma’s minimum wage has been $7.25 per hour, matching the federal minimum wage. As of 2024, Oklahoma is among 20 states that adhere to this rate, while the other 30 states have set their minimum wages above it. The average minimum wage across states in 2024 is $10.69. 

The proposed ballot measure aims to gradually increase Oklahoma’s minimum wage. If approved, it would rise to $9 per hour in 2025, $10.50 in 2026, $12 in 2027, $13.50 in 2028, and $15 in 2029. Starting in 2030, the wage would be adjusted based on inflation. 

Governor Stitt’s executive order placed this measure on the June 2026 ballot, specifying that if it passes, the new minimum wage will take effect on January 1, 2027, and would not be applied retroactively. This means that if approved, there would be no wage increase in 2025 or 2026; the minimum wage would jump to $12 per hour on January 1, 2027. 

Minimum Wages in Oklahoma Cities

Given below is a table of the detailed minimum wage rates across all the cities of Oklahoma. 

Threshold For Employees Exempt

Starting July 1, 2024, significant updates were implemented considering the salary thresholds for exempt employees in the State. 

According FLSA,   

• Exempt employees are those who are exempt from overtime regulations, paid a salary, and perform administrative, professional, executive, computer, or outside sales work.   

• Non-exempt employees are those paid hourly, perform more manual or technical duties, and are entitled to overtime pay for any hours worked beyond 40 in a work week.  

Here are the updates:

The new salary thresholds were effective from July 1, 2024. To qualify as an exempt employee, individuals must earn at least $43,888 annually. This translates to approximately $844 per week. 

On January 1, 2025, the salary threshold will rise to $58,656 annually (or about $1,128 per week). For those classified as highly compensated employees, the annual compensation requirement will be $132,964 beginning July 1, 2024, and will increase to $151,164 starting January 1, 2025. 

To be eligible for exemption, employees must meet three key tests: 

• Employees should receive a predetermined and fixed salary, which is not subject to change based on their work quality or quantity. 
• Employees must meet or exceed the specified weekly salary level. 
• Employees should primarily engage in executive, administrative, or professional duties as defined by the Department of Labor regulations. 

Historical Data of Oklahoma Minimum Wages 

Oklahoma passed a preemption law in 2014, preventing municipalities from setting their minimum wage rates. However, the minimum wage has lost significant value when adjusted for inflation since it has stayed the same for over 15 years. 

There are also ongoing efforts to raise the minimum wage in Oklahoma, with initiatives like SQ 832 aiming to increase it to $15 per hour by 2030. 

The table below sheds light on the incremental changes of minimum wage in Oklahoma. 

Source: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/minimum-wage/history

Exemptions in Minimum Wages of Oklahoma 

In Oklahoma, certain employees are exempt from the minimum wage requirements under federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) guidelines.  

• Executive, administrative, and professional employees are exempt if they meet specific criteria related to their job duties and salary level. 
• Sales employees working outside the employer’s place of business selling products or services. 
• Employees working in seasonal amusement or recreational establishments are under the exempt category. 
• Farm workers are exempt, especially in small farms. 
• Individuals employed in casual babysitting or as caretakers for the elderly or infirm are exempt. 
• While they are not fully exempt, tipped employees can be paid a lower direct wage if their total earnings (including tips) meet the minimum wage. 
• Full-time students and learners are paid less than the minimum wage under specific conditions.