The Greater Oklahoma City aerospace industry remains a cornerstone of the regional economy, generating $8.8 billion in goods and services and employing more than 45,500 workers with an average salary of $87,000, according to the latest Greater Oklahoma City Region Aerospace and Aviation Industry Survey and Economic Impact Assessment released by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and RegionTrack, Inc.
The industry has entered a new era of expansion and diversification. Long anchored by defense aviation, Greater Oklahoma City’s aerospace sector now encompasses a broad mix of public and private activities — spanning maintenance, logistics, engineering, training and manufacturing. While Tinker Air Force Base and the FAA’s Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center remain foundational to the region’s aerospace footprint, the private sector has steadily expanded, particularly in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), aerospace engineering and unmanned aerial systems.
“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.”
Key findings from the report include:
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
Tinker Air Force Base employs nearly 27,000 workers, and the FAA’s Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center supports more than 5,100 federal employees and contractors, accounting for over 70% of the region’s aerospace employment and output.
Private-sector growth is accelerating, particularly in MRO, aerospace consulting, logistics, and advanced systems. Since 2020, private aerospace firms have added more than 1,100 jobs and increased output by nearly 36%.
Wages in the industry continue to rise, with labor income growing by 48% since 2015. When paired with Oklahoma’s low cost of living, the region offers significant advantages in workforce attraction and retention.
The report is designed to support workforce development, infrastructure investment, and strategic planning across the region.
To view the full study or learn more, visit www.greateroklahomacity.com/aerostudy
