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Meter Readers, Utilities Salary in Oklahoma: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Meter Readers, Utilities salary really buy you in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma is 11.2% cheaper than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$39,480
Median annual (2025)
+12.6%
Real Purchasing Power
$44,459
COL-adjusted (RPP=88.8)

Oklahoma Cost of Living Index

Oklahoma's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 88.8, meaning prices are 11.2% lower the national average. A Meter Readers, Utilities earning $39,480 in Oklahoma has the equivalent purchasing power of $44,459 in an average-cost US state.

OK: 88.8
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Oklahoma's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $31,120 $35,045 +$3,925
25th Percentile (P25) $35,940 $40,472 +$4,532
Median (P50) $39,480 $44,459 +$4,979
75th Percentile (P75) $48,900 $55,067 +$6,167
90th Percentile (P90) $64,500 $72,635 +$8,135
Key Insight

A Meter Readers, Utilities in Oklahoma earns $39,480 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 13% further — like earning $44,459 in an average-cost state. This makes Oklahoma one of the best value states for this occupation.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Oklahoma Runs Well Below National Cost

RPP 88.8

Oklahoma's Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 88.8 means a basket of goods and services costs about 11.2% less than the national average. For a Meter Readers, Utilities, every dollar earned effectively buys more here than in a 100-RPP state.

Sizable COL Effect Reshapes This Salary

+12.6%

Adjusting $39,480 for Oklahoma's cost of living yields $44,459 — a 12.6% gain in real purchasing power. This magnitude usually reflects either a materially cheaper or materially pricier metro mix than the national average.

Bottom-Quartile COL-Adjusted Pay

#32 / 39

Oklahoma ranks #32 of 39 — bottom quartile for Meter Readers, Utilities real purchasing power. Relocation, employer negotiation, or remote roles at higher-paying markets tend to generate the biggest ROI.

Best States for Meter Readers, Utilities (After Cost of Living)

Where does Meter Readers, Utilities salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$81,548
RPP 96.2
2. Nevada
$78,962
RPP 96.4
$75,670
RPP 97.7
$70,257
RPP 112.5
5. Iowa
$68,936
RPP 88.4
6. Wyoming
$66,887
RPP 91.9
$66,625
RPP 89.2
$65,171
RPP 93.4
$65,053
RPP 102.3
10. Alaska
$61,460
RPP 102.0

Oklahoma ranks #32 out of 39 states for Meter Readers, Utilities after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Meter Readers, Utilities take-home pay in Oklahoma after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Meter Readers, Utilities in Oklahoma after cost of living?

A Meter Readers, Utilities in Oklahoma earns a median salary of $39,480 per year. After adjusting for Oklahoma's cost of living (RPP=88.8), the real purchasing power is $44,459 — a +12.6% difference.

Is Oklahoma expensive to live in?

Oklahoma's cost of living is 11.2% lower than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Oklahoma is 88.8 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Meter Readers, Utilities in Oklahoma: $39,480 x (100 / 88.8) = $44,459. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a Meter Readers, Utilities in Oklahoma financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A Meter Readers, Utilities in Oklahoma enjoys 12.6% more buying power than the nominal salary suggests, because living costs are below the national average. However, other factors like job availability, career growth, and quality of life also matter.

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