Greater OKC Region Aerospace Industry – 2025
Two targeted workforce offerings include the Aerospace Industry Engineer Workforce Tax Credit and the Software/Cybersecurity Employee Tax Credit . The programs provide benefits to both employers and employees in the aerospace sector. Aerospace Industry Engineer Workforce Tax Credit The state currently offers an engineer tax credit that benefits both employees and employers in the aerospace sector ( see Figure 18 ). Aerospace companies hiring engineers in a variety of fields can receive a tax credit
equal to 5% of the compensation paid to an engineer, or 10% if the engineer graduated from an Oklahoma college or university. Firms are also eligible for a tuition credit of up to 50% of the tuition reimbursed to an employed engineer. Additionally, the engineer hired can receive a personal income tax credit of $5,000 per year. Software/Cybersecurity Employee Tax Credit The state also offers an individual tax credit targeted at growing the number of software development and cybersecurity jobs in the state. The
Figure 18. Oklahoma Engineer Workforce Tax Credit Employer Benefits: • Tuition Reimbursement for New Engineer Graduates: • 50% Tax Credit for Reimbursed Tuition Costs • For First 4 Years of Employment • Wage-Based Tax Credit for Hiring Engineers: • Up to 5% of Wages Paid During First 5 Years of Employment • Maximum of $12,500 per Employee Annually • Extended Tax Credit for Hiring Oklahoma Engineering Graduates: • Up to 10% of Wages Paid During First 5 Years of Employment • Maximum of $12,500 per Employee Annually Employee Benefits: • Eligibility: Current Employed Aerospace Engineers • Up to $5,000 per Year for 5 Years
aerospace industry is increasingly dependent upon workers with skills in software design, cybersecurity, and other areas of information technology. Information technology-related occupations are numerous at Tinker AFB, the FAA Center, and private sector employers. The tax credit provides up to $2,200 annually for qualifying employees who receive a degree from an accredited institution, or $1,800 annually for qualifying employees who are awarded a certificate from a technology center. To receive the credit, employees must meet strict educational requirements and obtain employment in a qualified industry for a qualified employer. The credit can be claimed for no more than seven years and cannot be claimed simultaneously by an individual claiming the tax credit for aerospace engineers. Aerospace and Aviation Education Programs Educational institutions across Oklahoma and the Greater Oklahoma City region are dedicated to developing the diverse range of skilled workers required by the aerospace sector. The state's public and private universities, along with the CareerTech system, have long provided a comprehensive mix of aerospace-related education and training. These programs offer both general and specialized training for blue- and white-collar occupations. Additionally, state hiring incentives are structured to maximize the benefits for graduates of these education programs in Oklahoma. As a result of these ongoing efforts, a significant number of graduates from the state's universities and CareerTech technology centers continue to fill positions in aerospace firms throughout the state.
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