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David Stanley Ford

Though pay varies, many Oklahoma workers earn less
Oklahoma workers have fewer dollars to spend on average than in other places

   Comments Comment on this article11
Published: April 12, 2009

With a sagging economy, every dollar counts, and Oklahoma workers on average have fewer dollars to spend than workers in other states.


Sgt. Michael Hooks unlocks a cell at the Joseph Harp Correctional Center in Lexington. Salaries for prison guards in Oklahoma can start at $24,605 for adult facilities and $21,521 for juvenile lockups. PHOTO BY SARAH PHIPPS, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE

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Governor
What he does: As chief executive of the state of Oklahoma, the governor is responsible for everything from presenting the

budget to making state office appointments. He decides whether to

approve legislation passed by state lawmakers.

Salary: $147,000.

Mayor
What they do: Mayoral duties vary depending on type of government, and so do their salaries, said Cheryl Dorrance, research director for the Oklahoma Municipal League. Some mayors make policy, some are figureheads and some are town administrators. "Many aren’t in it for the money,” she said. "They’re in it for their town.”

Salary: $0 in some cities; $24,000 in Oklahoma City.

Garbage truck driver
What they do: Pick up trash along routes throughout the city.

Drivers are exposed to

the weather and noxious smells from the trash.

The job includes lifting

and physical labor.

Salary: $26,187 to $46,259.

Boll weevil czar
What he does: Operate the Oklahoma Boll Weevil Eradication Organization, which organizes programs that support the cotton industry and keep

Oklahoma free of boll weevils. Boll weevils are deadly to cotton crops. No boll weevils were caught in 2008, so this year will be a "confirmation year” that the state has become free of boll weevils.

Salary: $61,530.

Zookeeper
What they do: Take care of the animals in their charge. Keepers manage animal diets, activities and welfare. All keepers at the Oklahoma City Zoo are in the same pay range, whether they take care of bears, buffalos or birds.

Salary: $23,275 to $33,072.

Child care licenser
What they do: Monitor child care facilities for compliance with state laws. Licensers make recommendations and lodge complaints about abuse or neglect when necessary. They also help child care workers provide better care.

Salary: $28,254 to start.

Prison guard
What they do: Keep state prisons safe. Guards are responsible for controlling and managing inmates.

Salary: $24,605 starting for adult facilities; $21,521 starting for juveniles

lockups.

Sources: Oklahoma Municipal League, Oklahoma City Zoo,

the city of Oklahoma City,

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Oklahoma Office of Personnel Management

More than 1.7 million Oklahomans work, and the average household income is $54,277, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s lower than the national average of $67,799.

About 10 percent of Oklahoma workers fall in the lowest household income bracket: less than $10,000. Only 2 percent enjoy the highest income brackets of $200,000 or more per household.

There are lots of jobs — and lots of annual incomes — in between.

Carrie Coppernoll, Staff Writer

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David Stanley Ford



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I had friends who lived in Atlanta, GA with a huge home.....Her husband got a job offer in CA. with a raise of $75.000 and he was making $150,000. in GA.....When they moved, this income bought them a 3 bedroom box....Cost of living does indeed vary, but living on $10,000. annual in Oklahoma does not go that far.....My mom lived off her SS and her retirement from the State of Oklahoma and had an annual income of $14,000.00. She still paid all the taxes we do for any and everything we buy.....This huge income was taxed as well......At this income she could not qualify for $2.00 in food dollars......$14,000. does not go far.....aside: she worked for the State of Oklahoma for years and her income never came close to that of a teacher....Pay in Oklahoma for the most part sucks and that includes our teachers pay.
Sallie, Del City - Apr 13, 2009 at 11:53 am
And by-the-way, teachers in every state use the same arguement for more pay - "that they are paid less than teachers in some adjoining state." Not saying that teachers in OK should not be paid more but just making the point that no matter where you live, you still hear the same arguement.
Denver, Centennial - Apr 13, 2009 at 10:43 am
A gallon of milk may cost the same but if your house costs $150K in Oklahoma City that would cost $350K in Denver, it makes a huge difference in your standard of living. Anyone who has tried to make it in CT, NYC, NJ, San Diego or San Fran, etc can tell you that one must earn $250K +/yr to affoard a decent house in those locations.
Denver, Centennial - Apr 13, 2009 at 10:40 am
Our cost of living may be lower than other states but a gallon of milk costs the same if your salary is 10,000.00 or 200,000.....That $8.00 to $10.00 ph is considered a good wage speaks for itself in that yes indeed the standard of living is low.
Sallie, Del City - Apr 12, 2009 at 6:52 pm
It's because Okies are dumber and uglier than the rest of the country/world.
Jason, Seattle - Apr 12, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Its the standard of living that is low
Noholo, Norman - Apr 12, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Nick, dang it....get my burger and fries right the next time I go through your drive through.
John, Oklahoma City - Apr 12, 2009 at 2:12 pm
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Ignore John
The next time Oklahoma teachers and other government employees complain about being mistreated and making less than the national average they should look at this information. They are just in the same boat as all other Oklahomans. There is a reason for us having lower pay. Our cost of living is lower also. Our property taxes are lower. Cost of housing is lower.
Nick, Oklahoma City - Apr 12, 2009 at 11:06 am
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Carrie, your inept attempt to fill space in this paper is disheartening. You have so many resources available ........... So many additional facts could have fleshed-out this story ............ For example, people making $150,000 per year ......... living in California in 1,200 square foot homes priced at $600,000 .......... work and commute 12 hours, get paid for 8........... Need I say more about our pitiful $54,277? Perhaps you should?
Philip Spencer, Edmond - Apr 12, 2009 at 10:03 am
Duh!
Kevin, Oklahoma City - Apr 12, 2009 at 9:35 am

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