What to expect in 2026 • Job gains led by financial activities, manufacturing, health care, and construction • Continued growth in professional and business services • Flat or modest declines in trade and transportation • Leisure and hospitality employment expected to remain steady Employers appear to be approaching hiring cautiously. Job postings in December 2025 were essentially unchanged from the prior year, compared to an 8% increase nationally, suggesting a focus on steady, sustainable growth. Business investment signals confidence 2025 marked the final year of Forward Oklahoma City VI, the region’s five-year economic development initiative. During the year, 113 Chamber-assisted companies announced plans to create more than 3,400 jobs, with an average annual salary of approximately $60,700. Those projects represented more than $4.45 billion in capital investment. Over the full five-year program, companies announced nearly 23,500 jobs, $1.3 billion in payroll, and $7.4 billion in capital investment, building on the success of earlier Forward campaigns and reflecting long-term confidence in the region. Major employers across biotechnology, manufacturing, logistics, health care, data infrastructure, and retail distribution expanded operations or
announced new investments in 2025, reinforcing Oklahoma City’s appeal as a competitive place to do business. Who is choosing Oklahoma City Interest in the region remains strong. As of December 2025, 121 companies were actively considering relocating to or expanding in the Greater Oklahoma City region. About 70% of those prospects are in manufacturing, reflecting a national trend toward reshoring operations and strengthening supply chains in lower-cost, centrally located markets. Aerospace and distribution projects also continue to show strong interest, while office projects have improved as companies adapt to evolving workplace models. Real estate, housing, and construction trends The industrial real estate market is adjusting after several years of rapid growth. New construction has increased competition and vacancy, while asking rents declined slightly in 2025. Current development is largely focused on smaller, speculative projects. The office market remained stable, with vacancy rates below the national average. Retail activity rebounded in 2025, with taxable retail sales rising more than 3% after a slight decline in 2024. Residential construction also increased, with housing starts up 13% year over year. Construction activity is expected to accelerate in 2026, with total construction value forecast to grow by 12%, driven primarily by non-residential and infrastructure projects.
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