Registered Nurse Hourly Pay in Tahlequah, OK: $42.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a registered nurse working in Tahlequah, OK runs $42.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,671 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Weighted against Tahlequah's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,597 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the registered nurse hourly pay is projected to be $42.15 in 2026, which contrasts with the national hourly median of $49.39. This indicates that while RNs in Tahlequah earn a respectable wage, they may find themselves slightly behind their counterparts nationwide. Those working part-time, such as in hospital wards, ICUs, or outpatient clinics, can expect varied opportunities based on hours worked. For a nurse working three days a week, the income can still be substantial, allowing for flexible schedules that fit personal needs. Entry-level positions may see earnings around $31.58 per hour, while top earners can expect rates as high as $54.61 per hour, allowing for a spectrum of compensation depending on experience and specialty.
About the Tahlequah Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($73,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Registered Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.58 | $252.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.39 | $283.16 |
| Median (P50) | $42.15 | $337.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.39 | $379.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.61 | $436.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tahlequah
Based on $42.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.15/hr, a registered nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tahlequah, OK can expect to earn approximately $87,662 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,574. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tahlequah.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tahlequah
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,685.80 | $7,305 | $87,662 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,011.48 | $4,383 | $52,597 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $674.32 | $2,922 | $35,065 |
Compare RN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (Tahlequah) | $42.15 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $63.50 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
Registered Nurses in Tahlequah, OK earn a median of $87,671 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.66% lower than the national median of $102,730 and 4.00% below the Oklahoma state average of $91,324.
Registered Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.15/hr = $52,597/year (purchasing power: $59,164).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,662/year (purchasing power: $98,607).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Tahlequah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for registered nurses in Tahlequah grew 33.1% from $30.07/hr (2019) to $40.02/hr (2025). At a 5.31% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.38/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem registered nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tahlequah metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Registered Nurse in Tahlequah
Considering the realities of part-time work in registered nursing, a nurse dedicating 24 hours weekly can expect to earn a significant amount over time, although full-time employment typically yields better financial security. Per diem registered nurse pay in Tahlequah varies, with many professionals billing anywhere from $50 to $80 per hour, especially in specialized settings. Travel nurses, particularly in high-demand areas, can command weekly contracts ranging from $2,000 to as much as $8,000 during critical shortages. In navigating employer differences, a hospital might provide higher hourly rates but with comprehensive benefits, whereas an outpatient clinic might offer better flexibility without the same health insurance package. Registered nurses should consider these trade-offs carefully. Moreover, effective negotiation strategies, such as highlighting unique skills or certifications, can be beneficial in optimizing pay per hour, especially in a state like Oklahoma where demand for quality nursing professionals continues to grow.
More salary data for Tahlequah, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for registered nurses in Tahlequah. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tahlequah is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov