Though pay varies, many Oklahoma workers earn less
With a sagging economy, every dollar counts, and Oklahoma workers on average have fewer dollars to spend than workers in other states.
Sgt. Michael Hooks unlocks a cell at the Joseph Harp Correctional Center in Lexington. Salaries for prison guards in Oklahoma can start at $24,605 for adult facilities and $21,521 for juvenile lockups. PHOTO BY SARAH PHIPPS, OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE
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Governor
What he does: As chief executive of the state of Oklahoma, the governor is responsible for everything from presenting the
budget to making state office appointments. He decides whether to
approve legislation passed by state lawmakers.
Salary: $147,000.
Mayor
What they do: Mayoral duties vary depending on type of government, and so do their salaries, said Cheryl Dorrance, research director for the Oklahoma Municipal League. Some mayors make policy, some are figureheads and some are town administrators. "Many aren’t in it for the money,” she said. "They’re in it for their town.”
Salary: $0 in some cities; $24,000 in Oklahoma City.
Garbage truck driver
What they do: Pick up trash along routes throughout the city.
Drivers are exposed to
the weather and noxious smells from the trash.
The job includes lifting
and physical labor.
Salary: $26,187 to $46,259.
Boll weevil czar
What he does: Operate the Oklahoma Boll Weevil Eradication Organization, which organizes programs that support the cotton industry and keep
Oklahoma free of boll weevils. Boll weevils are deadly to cotton crops. No boll weevils were caught in 2008, so this year will be a "confirmation year” that the state has become free of boll weevils.
Salary: $61,530.
Zookeeper
What they do: Take care of the animals in their charge. Keepers manage animal diets, activities and welfare. All keepers at the Oklahoma City Zoo are in the same pay range, whether they take care of bears, buffalos or birds.
Salary: $23,275 to $33,072.
Child care licenser
What they do: Monitor child care facilities for compliance with state laws. Licensers make recommendations and lodge complaints about abuse or neglect when necessary. They also help child care workers provide better care.
Salary: $28,254 to start.
Prison guard
What they do: Keep state prisons safe. Guards are responsible for controlling and managing inmates.
Salary: $24,605 starting for adult facilities; $21,521 starting for juveniles
lockups.
Sources: Oklahoma Municipal League, Oklahoma City Zoo,
the city of Oklahoma City,
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Oklahoma Office of Personnel Management
Related Topics:
Science and Technology, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Demography, Government and Politics, U.S. Census
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