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
2,403
providers in directory
- Avg RN salary
- $73,180
- Avg physician salary
- $360,000
- Cost of living
- 86.1
- Top state income tax
- 4.75%
Arkansas
2,295
providers in directory
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Providers in directory | 2,403 | 2,295 |
| Cities served | 164 | 155 |
| 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
- Oklahoma City697
- Tulsa522
- Edmond76
- Lawton66
- Norman66
Arkansas
- Little Rock515
- Fort Smith165
- Fayetteville164
- Jonesboro138
- Hot Springs85
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 healthcare providers practice in Oklahoma vs. Arkansas?
The Ava Health directory lists 2,403 providers in Oklahoma across 164 cities, and 2,295 providers in Arkansas across 155 cities. All data is sourced from the CMS NPPES NPI registry and updated 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.
Other State Comparisons
Florida vs Texas
Two Sun Belt giants. Texas edges ahead on physician salary; Florida wins on retiree-driven demand.
California vs Texas
The nation's two largest healthcare markets. California pays nurses the most; Texas offers lower cost of living.
California vs New York
Coast-to-coast heavyweights. Both pay top 10 nationwide — the decision often comes down to lifestyle.
New York vs New Jersey
Same metro, different tax regime. NJ licensure offers similar pay with lower state income tax.
Texas vs Arizona
No-state-income-tax Texas vs. high-demand Arizona. Both are fast-growing healthcare markets.
North Carolina vs Virginia
Research Triangle vs. DC metro. Different healthcare ecosystems, comparable salaries.