Pay raises are on the horizon for a slew of Oklahoma elected officials.
The Statewide Official Compensation Board voted Nov. 18 to increase base salaries for every statewide elected official, from corporation commissioners up to the governor. The percentage increases range from 24% for the labor commissioner to 41% for the state superintendent.
The new rates will take effect in January 2027 after freshly elected officials are sworn into office.
A previous board meeting on Nov. 12 was invalidated after an ineligible member, Oklahoma Restaurant Association lobbyist and former legislator James Leewright, participated. State law forbids registered lobbyists from serving in such a capacity.
In a separate meeting held Tuesday afternoon, the Legislative Compensation Board voted to hike pay for lawmakers, increasing base annual salaries from $47,500 to $54,900. Legislative leaders, including the House speaker and Senate president, will also enjoy increased stipends.
Similar to statewide elected officials, the legislative pay raises won’t take effect until after the November 2026 election.
Supporters of the increase noted that pay for statewide elected officials hasn’t increased since 2009, and more money is needed to attract the best candidates. Inflation has increased about 50% over the past 16 years, according to federal labor data.
Critics argued that the pay bumps should coincide with raises for rank-and-file state employees.
“Competitive compensation for state leaders and employees ensures Oklahoma can attract and retain capable individuals who guide agencies, manage complex systems, and make critical decisions that shape the state’s future,” a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Public Employees Association wrote in a statement. “But equally essential are the thousands of front-line state employees who show up every day to meet the greatest needs of our citizens.”
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— Keaton Ross
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