Is Oklahoma an at-will employment state?

Yes, Oklahoma is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can generally terminate employees for any lawful reason. However, Oklahoma recognizes exceptions for discrimination, retaliation, and public policy violations.

What is the EEOC filing deadline in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma is an EEOC deferral state, so the filing deadline for most federal discrimination charges is extended to 300 days from the date of the alleged violation.

What is the minimum wage in Oklahoma?

The minimum wage in Oklahoma is $7.25 (federal).

What is the main employment discrimination law in Oklahoma?

OK ADA (Okla. Stat. tit. 25, §§ 1101-1901) is Oklahoma's primary employment protection law. It covers employers with 15+ employees and protects against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and more.

Oklahoma Employment Law

Oklahoma Anti-Discrimination Act covers employers with 15+ employees. Limited protections; does not include sexual orientation or gender identity.

At-Will

Yes

Right-to-Work

Yes

EEOC Deferral

300 days

Min. Wage

$7.25

Oklahoma State Laws (5)

OK ADA

Okla. Stat. tit. 25, §§ 1101-1901

180 days

15+ employees

The Oklahoma Anti-Discrimination Act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40+), disability, and genetic information. The Act covers employers with 15 or more employees and complaints must be filed within 180 days with the Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General, Civil Rights Enforcement Division. Oklahoma provides relatively limited protections compared to many states, closely mirroring federal law.

Protected Classes

racecolorreligionsexnational originage (40+)disabilitygenetic information

Key Provisions

✓Closely mirrors federal anti-discrimination law including Title VII and ADA
✓Provides limited state-level protections without expanding significantly beyond federal standards
✓Oklahoma Attorney General investigates complaints; employees may also file directly in state district court after receiving a right-to-sue letter

Remedies

Back payReinstatementCompensatory damages (capped)Attorney fees and costsInjunctive relief

File with: Oklahoma Attorney General, Civil Rights Enforcement Division180 days from the discriminatory act

OK Burk Public-Policy Tort

Okla. Stat. tit. 85A, § 7; Burk v. K-Mart Corp., 770 P.2d 24 (Okla. 1989)

730 days

1+ employees

Statutory and common-law protections against discharge for filing or pursuing workers' compensation claim. Burk doctrine recognizes public-policy tort for at-will discharge violating Oklahoma public policy.

Protected Classes

workplace_safety

Key Provisions

✓Statutory and common-law protections against discharge for filing or pursuing workers' compensation claim. Burk doctrine recognizes public-policy tort for at-will discharge violating Oklahoma public policy.

Remedies

Reinstatementback paycompensatory damagespunitive damages (capped under Burk reform)

File with: Workers' Compensation Court / state court2 years

OK Medical Marijuana and

Okla. Stat. tit. 63, § 427.8

— days

1+ employees

Prohibits employers from discriminating against medical marijuana license holders solely on the basis of their status as a license holder or for positive THC drug test results, except for safety-sensitive positions or where federal law requires.

Protected Classes

disability

Key Provisions

✓Prohibits employers from discriminating against medical marijuana license holders solely on the basis of their status as a license holder or for positive THC drug test results, except for safety-sensitive positions or where federal law requires.

Remedies

Reinstatementback paycompensatory damagesattorney fees

File with: Civil courtNot specified; civil action

OK Minimum Wage

Okla. Stat. tit. 40, § 197.1 et seq.

1095 days

10+ employees

Sets state minimum wage at $7.25/hour (matches federal). Applies to employers with 10+ full-time employees or annual gross sales over $100,000. Many employers governed by federal FLSA.

Protected Classes

minimum_wage

Key Provisions

✓Sets state minimum wage at $7.25/hour (matches federal). Applies to employers with 10+ full-time employees or annual gross sales over $100,000. Many employers governed by federal FLSA.

Remedies

Unpaid wagesattorney fees

File with: Oklahoma Department of Labor3 years

OK Wage Payment

Okla. Stat. tit. 40, § 165.1 et seq.

1095 days

1+ employees

Requires employers to pay wages owed at established intervals (at least semi-monthly). Final wages due by next regular payday. Provides liquidated damages and civil penalties for unpaid wages.

Protected Classes

minimum_wage

Key Provisions

✓Requires employers to pay wages owed at established intervals (at least semi-monthly). Final wages due by next regular payday. Provides liquidated damages and civil penalties for unpaid wages.

Remedies

Unpaid wagesliquidated damagescivil penalty up to 100%attorney fees

File with: Oklahoma Department of Labor3 years

Federal Laws That Apply in Oklahoma

These federal statutes protect workers nationwide, including in Oklahoma. As a deferral state, the EEOC filing deadline is extended to 300 days for most claims.

Title VII15+ employees

Section 19811+ employees

WARN Act100+ employees

— days

Rehabilitation Act1+ employees

300 days

SOX Section 8061+ employees

180 days

INA Section 1324b4+ employees

180 days

Check which laws apply to your situation in Oklahoma

Our free assessment identifies applicable federal, state, and local protections based on your specific circumstances.

Check My Rights

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.Oklahoma laws are subject to legislative changes. Consult a qualified employment attorney in Oklahoma for advice about your specific situation. Last reviewed: March 2026.