Oklahoma Employment Laws

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40+), disability, and genetic information. Applies to employers with 15+ employees. Enforced by the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office. Does not include sexual orientation or gender identity as protected classes at the state level.

Oklahoma's state minimum wage is $7.25/hour, matching the federal rate. Oklahoma law prohibits municipalities from establishing a higher local minimum wage (preemption enacted 2014).

Oklahoma's right-to-work protections are constitutionally enshrined. No person may be required to join a labor union or pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment.

Oklahoma is one of the most restrictive states for noncompete agreements. Covenants not to compete are generally void and unenforceable. Exceptions exist for the sale of a business goodwill and the dissolution of a partnership. Non-solicitation agreements may be enforceable if limited in scope.

Oklahoma follows the at-will employment doctrine. Employers can terminate employees for any reason or no reason, subject to anti-discrimination laws and the public policy exception established in Burk v. K-Mart (wrongful discharge in violation of public policy).

All Oklahoma employers must use E-Verify for new hires beginning November 1, 2025. Previously limited to public employers and contractors.