Oklahoma vs Arkansas: Healthcare Job Market Comparison
Rural South Central healthcare. Both offer high physician demand with lower cost of living than coastal states.
Oklahoma
2
physicians tracked
- Avg RN salary
- $73,180
- Avg physician salary
- $360,000
- Cost of living
- 86.1
- Top state income tax
- 4.75%
Arkansas
0
physicians tracked
- Avg RN salary
- $69,260
- Avg physician salary
- $325,000
- Cost of living
- 90.9
- Top state income tax
- 4.4%
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma | Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians tracked | 2 | 0 |
| Cities served | 2 | 0 |
| Avg RN salary (BLS May 2024) | $73,180 | $69,260 |
| Avg physician salary | $360,000 | $325,000 |
| Cost of living (100 = US avg) | 86.1 | 90.9 |
| State income tax (top rate) | 4.75% | 4.4% |
Salary figures are approximate, drawn from public sources including BLS, Medscape, and Doximity compensation reports.
Top Cities for Providers
Oklahoma
- Norman1
- Tulsa1
Arkansas
No city data available.
Notable Health Systems
Oklahoma
- • INTEGRIS Health
- • OU Health
- • SSM Health
Arkansas
- • UAMS
- • Baptist Health
- • Washington Regional
Medical Licensure Boards
Each state has its own medical board. Check fees, required CME hours, and reciprocity before applying.
Oklahoma
https://www.okmedicalboard.org/Arkansas
https://www.armedicalboard.org/Frequently Asked Questions
Which state pays nurses more, Oklahoma or Arkansas?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), registered nurses in Oklahoma earn an average of $73,180, compared to $69,260 in Arkansas. The gap is roughly $3,920 per year before adjusting for cost of living.
Which state has higher physician salaries, Oklahoma or Arkansas?
Aggregated compensation data shows physicians in Oklahoma earn approximately $360,000 on average, compared to $325,000 in Arkansas. Specialty and practice setting drive much larger variations than state averages suggest.
How does the cost of living compare between Oklahoma and Arkansas?
Using the MERIC Q4 2024 cost-of-living index (100 = national average), Oklahoma is 86.1 and Arkansas is 90.9. Oklahoma (86.1) is the more affordable of the two, while Arkansas (90.9) is more expensive. Housing is typically the largest driver of these differences.
How many physicians practice in Oklahoma vs. Arkansas?
Ava Health tracks approximately 2 physicians in Oklahoma across 2 cities, and 0 physicians in Arkansas across 0 cities, plus nurses and therapists in both states. Figures are sourced from the CMS NPPES NPI registry and refreshed regularly.
Which state has a more favorable tax environment for healthcare providers?
Oklahoma has a top state income tax rate of 4.75%, while Arkansas's top rate is 4.4%. Always factor in property tax, sales tax, and local taxes before making a relocation decision. States with no income tax often offset through higher sales or property taxes.
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