Graph Neural Network Researcher.
Oklahoma City.
$163,000
median salary, 13% below the national average
$121,000 to $215,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Oklahoma City is 16% cheaper than the national average. For Graph Neural Network Researchers, that shakes out to a median of $163,000, with the full range spanning $121,000 to $215,000. GNN researchers are valued in drug discovery, social network analysis, and fraud detection, with pharma and fintech paying the highest premiums. Know the range before you walk in.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $147,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$106,000
to $130,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$139,000
to $171,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$179,000
to $212,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$204,000
to $253,000
Salary trend
+3% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $33,000 to the total package.
Base
$163,000
Equity
$18,000
Bonus
$12,000
Signing
$3,000
Estimated total: $196,000
How Oklahoma City compares
Oklahoma City, OK
$163,000
Cost of living: 16% below average
National Average
$188,000
Oklahoma City is $25,000 below
Graph Neural Network Researcher salary by city
Salary by role in Oklahoma City
What you should know
The Graph Neural Network Researcher landscape in Oklahoma City is not what most salary sites will tell you. Oklahoma City's economy is rooted in energy, aerospace, and military operations. Tinker Air Force Base is a massive employer, and the city's energy sector creates strong demand for engineering and technical roles. The extremely low cost of living means salaries deliver exceptional purchasing power. GNN researchers are valued in drug discovery, social network analysis, and fraud detection, with pharma and fintech paying the highest premiums. Experience with molecular property prediction or large-scale graph learning at production scale adds 10 to 20% to offers. Publication at venues like NeurIPS or KDD further strengthens negotiating position.
Junior GNN researchers start at $140,000 to $168,000 after completing a PhD. Senior researchers specializing in graph learning earn $190,000 to $250,000. Staff scientists and research leads reach $260,000 to $350,000, while principal scientists at major drug discovery firms can earn $370,000 to $450,000. In Oklahoma City, your dollars stretch further. Cost of living runs 16% below the national average, which means even a median salary buys a stronger lifestyle.
Base salary is not the full picture. Biotech and pharma companies frequently offer signing bonuses of $25,000 to $60,000 alongside equity or stock options. Tech firms provide RSU grants worth 25 to 45% of base salary, with annual refreshers tied to performance ratings. And on the tax side: oklahoma's top income tax rate is 4.75%. Oklahoma City has no city income tax. The moderate rate combined with very affordable housing creates strong net compensation. When someone quotes you $163,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Leverage energy sector expertise. Oklahoma City employers pay competitive rates for petroleum engineers, geoscientists, and energy technology specialists. The range for Graph Neural Network Researchers in Oklahoma City runs from $121,000 to $215,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A AI Platform Engineer in Oklahoma City earns $164,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in Oklahoma City is Chief AI Officer at $263,000
Common questions.
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