Oklahoma 21st Century Quality Jobs Program
Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Up to 10% of new payroll/yr, 10 yrs
10% OK payroll rebate, 10 yrs, knowledge jobs
Oklahoma's 21st Century Quality Jobs Program pays up to 10% of new taxable payroll as quarterly cash payments for up to 10 years to knowledge-based businesses that create at least 10 net new full-time jobs at wages averaging 300% of the county average wage, with at least 50% of sales from outside Oklahoma. It targets headquarters, financial services, software, aerospace/defense, and biotech operations — companies where skilled-worker wages naturally clear the 300% threshold.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- State
- Amount
- Quarterly cash payments of up to 10% of new taxable payroll for qualifying jobs, for up to 10 years. A company creating 20 positions at $120,000/yr average (300%+ of county average) would receive up to $240,000/yr — $2.4M over the full program term.
- Realistic amount
- Knowledge-based firms creating 15–50 high-wage positions typically receive $100,000–$600,000/yr in quarterly rebates. So…
- Deadline
- Rolling — application and supporting documents must be received by Oklahoma Department of Commerce before participation begins
- Status
- active
- States
- OK
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- For-profit entity with a facility located in Oklahoma
- Must create at least 10 net new full-time jobs at an annual wage averaging 300% of the county average wage where the jobs are located
- At least 50% of annual sales must be derived from outside Oklahoma
- Employees must receive basic health insurance coverage — employer must offer coverage within 180 days of employment, and employee premium cost must not exceed 50% of the total premium
- Company must not simultaneously participate in the standard Oklahoma Quality Jobs Act program
- Contract with Commerce must be executed before qualifying jobs are created
Hard requirements
- Must be incorporated
- Location restriction: Oklahoma
- Requires creating at least 10 new jobs
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Quarterly cash rebates are unrestricted — can be used for any business purpose
Ineligible expenses
- Jobs that do not meet the 300% county average wage threshold
- Jobs not covered by employer-offered health insurance
- Out-of-state employees (must be based in Oklahoma)
- Positions created before the program contract is executed
How to apply
-
1
Request free cost/benefit analysis from Commerce
Contact the Oklahoma Department of Commerce at 800-588-5959. A Regional Development Specialist reviews your projected jobs, wages, and out-of-state sales to determine eligibility and model projected annual and 10-year rebate payments.
~2 hrs
-
2
Complete and submit formal application
Submit the 21st Century Quality Jobs application and worksheet (Excel format available from Commerce). Include projected new job count, average wages, industry NAICS codes, and out-of-state sales documentation.
~6 hrs
-
3
Execute program contract with Commerce
Commerce issues a formal contract establishing qualifying wage thresholds, rebate rate, program period, and reporting requirements. Both parties sign before any qualifying jobs are created.
~3 hrs
-
4
Create qualifying jobs and receive quarterly rebates
Hire Oklahoma employees meeting the wage and health insurance requirements. Submit quarterly payroll reports to Commerce. Rebate payments arrive quarterly throughout the 10-year program period.
~8 hrs
The 300% county average wage threshold sounds daunting but is typical for software engineers, financial analysts, and aerospace engineers in Oklahoma's low-cost markets — verify your actual average wage against the county benchmark before assuming you qualify.
Deadline & timing
A contract must be issued by the Department before qualifying jobs are counted toward the program. Retroactive claims are not accepted. Contact Commerce at 800-588-5959 for a free cost/benefit analysis before applying.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.