Oil and gas has historically been the greatest source of jobs in Oklahoma. The petroleum industry remains a dominant economic force in the Sooner State today, but aerospace, state and federal government, healthcare and food processing are also sizable employers. Two of the fastest-growing sources of Oklahoma jobs are biotechnology and information technology. Logistics, energy and tire manufacturing are distinctive industries for the state; ONEOK and Williams Companies are major energy companies based in Tulsa, OK.

The aviation industry is a leading creator of high-tech jobs in Oklahoma City, the state’s capital and most populous city. Tinker Air Force Base and the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (the federal training center for air traffic controllers) are headquartered there. Its reputation as the Horse Show Capital of the World is another important source of Oklahoma City jobs, revenue and municipal pride. In the state’s second largest city, Tulsa, Oklahoma, jobs in aviation, finance and petroleum are important to the local employment outlook. Healthcare and manufacturing have also fueled Tulsa’s economic growth.