Oklahoma Construction Industry Trends (1993–2025) Market Research & Analysis
Tradespeople Wage Trends (1993–2025)
Wages for construction tradespeople in Oklahoma have roughly doubled in nominal terms since the early 1990s. In 1995, the average annual pay for construction workers in Oklahoma was about $22,500, equivalent to roughly $10–11 per hour. By 2025, the state’s average hourly earnings in the sector have risen to about $30, translating to approximately $60,000 per year for a full-time worker. While these gains modestly outpaced inflation, attracting new talent remains difficult as a single earner still falls below the living wage for a 4-person family.
Construction Cost Trends and Inflection Points
The cost of materials and overall project prices has risen substantially, nearly tripling in nominal terms since 1993. A key measure, the Producer Price Index (PPI) for construction materials, stood at 125 in 1993 and surged to 342 by mid-2025. Major inflection points include the mid-2000s commodities boom and the post-2020 pandemic surge, which saw a 50% increase in input costs in just two years.
Skilled Labor Availability and Workforce Shortages
The industry has flipped from a labor surplus in the 1990s to an acute shortage today. In 2025, a staggering 92% of construction firms have openings they cannot fill with qualified talent. Nationally, the industry faced a gap of over 650,000 workers needed just to meet current demand.
Project Performance: The Reality of Overruns
Data confirms that cost overruns and delays are the industry norm. Approximately 85% of construction projects overrun their budget, with only 1 in 3 projects staying roughly within original parameters. Furthermore, roughly 30% of projects end in formal disputes or claims.
Procurement Evolution: Beyond the Low-Bid
Heavy reliance on traditional low-bid procurement has historically led to higher change order rates and adversarial relationships. Oklahoma has shifted toward alternative delivery methods like Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) and Design-Build. National studies show Design-Build projects are delivered 102% faster than traditional methods and with significantly less cost growth.