OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – Oklahoma City’s aerospace industry generates billions of dollars and creates tens of thousands of jobs across the Greater OKC area, according to a recently released report.
The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and RegionTrack, Inc. latest Greater Oklahoma City Region Aerospace and Aviation Industry Survey and Economic Impact Assessment shows that the Greater Oklahoma City aerospace industry in a major economic and workforce driver.
OKC’s aerospace industry produces $8.8 billion in goods and services and employs more than 45,500 workers with an average salary of $87,000. The assessment states that the industry supports 80,200 jobs, when multiplier effects are included.
“Oklahoma City’s aerospace sector is not only strong today, but also strategically positioned for what’s next,” said Christy Gillenwater, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “As private-sector investment accelerates alongside our legacy federal assets, our region is becoming one of the most competitive and future-ready aerospace hubs in the nation.”
The Greater OKC Chamber released the report to support workforce development, infrastructure investment and strategic planning across the region.
The report had the following key findings:
- 338 aerospace establishments employing 45,539 workers
- $8.8 billion in total output and $4.0 billion in labor income
- $87,000 average annual wage, well above the regional average
- 80,200 total jobs supported when including multiplier effects
- $413 million in state and local tax revenue generated annually
OKC’s aerospace sector is rooted in defense aviation, but has diversified in recent years, expanding to encompass maintenance, logistics, engineering, training and manufacturing.
Tinker Air Force Base and the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center are integral to the area’s aerospace industry, which also includes a growing private sector that specializes in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), aerospace engineering and unmanned aerial systems, according to Greater OKC Chamber officials.
The Air Force base has close to 27,000 workers, while Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center has over 5,100 federal employees and contractors. Combined, that accounts for more than 70 percent of aerospace employment and output in the region, according to OKC Chamber officials.
The private sector is also contribution to aerospace jobs and output, notably in in MRO, aerospace consulting, logistic, and advanced systems. Private aerospace firms have contributed over 1,100 jobs and increased output by nearly 36 percent since 2020.
Aerospace industry wages are also on the rise. Labor income has grown 48 percent since 2015.
“When paired with Oklahoma’s low cost of living, the region offers significant advantages in workforce attraction and retention,” OKC Chamber officials said.
