Economy The Regional
The Greater Oklahoma City region is a hub for opportunity and entrepreneurship. The city was built by bold individuals and innovative companies—people who came here with little more than a strong work ethic and the drive to build something new. That spirit of risk-taking, optimism and community still defines OKC’s business environment today. Learn more about the region’s growing industries at ABetterLifeOKC.com/industries. While OKC has long been known for its roots in the energy industry, the economy has grown and diversified significantly over the last several decades. Aerospace plays a key role in that evolution. Thanks to the continued presence of Tinker Air Force Base, aerospace companies of all sizes have found OKC to be a place where they can grow and thrive. Healthcare and bioscience are also on the rise, with the city’s Innovation District near downtown helping drive biomedical breakthroughs. Anchored by institutions such as OU Health, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and Stephenson Cancer Center, the district is shaping a healthier future for residents and beyond. OKC is also a growing destination for tourism and events. Investments in attractions, convention space and infrastructure have positioned the city as a go-to spot for event planners from across the country and the world. Today, OKC’s leading industries include aerospace, professional services, bioscience and health care,
government, manufacturing, hospitality and retail trade. With a supportive business climate and a community that values hard work, OKC offers job seekers and entrepreneurs a strong foundation to build their futures. AEROSPACE Greater OKC is home to 338 aerospace establishments, employing 45,539 workers. These establishments generate $8.8 billion in economic output and $4 billion in labor income. Most work in the public sector at Tinker Air Force Base, the FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center or with the Oklahoma National Guard. Recent relocations and major investments by The Boeing Co. show the region’s potential for even more aerospace growth. Companies like Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, Skydweller Aero, United Dynamics and Wilder Systems are among the latest to expand or relocate operations in OKC. LIFE SCIENCE Groundbreaking research by OKC scientists has helped position the region as a rising player in the bioscience and technology industries. Across Oklahoma, bioscience companies generate about $6.7 billion in annual revenue and support more than 51,000 jobs. The Oklahoma City Innovation District, located just northeast of downtown, has become a hub for collaboration and discovery. The district’s growth continues with the addition of Convergence, a $700 million mixed-use development expected to open in 2024. The project will bring together
12 Oklahoma City Official Welcome Guide
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