Oklahoma income figures

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahomans had bigger average pay increases than most other Americans last year. <br><br>The Bureau of Economic Analysis in the US Commerce Department reports that Oklahoma's

Sunday, May 2nd 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahomans had bigger average pay increases than most other Americans last year.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis in the US Commerce Department reports that Oklahoma's per capita income increased 2.8% during 2003. The national average income increased 2.3%.

University of Oklahoma economist Bob Dauffenbach says the increase is because the energy, financial services and construction industries have grown in Oklahoma.

Collectively, he says those sectors added about 4,100 jobs in Oklahoma last year.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis also reports that Oklahoma's average income is $26,656. It ranks 39th in the nation.

Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce research manager Monty Evans says Oklahoma needs to recruit higher-paying jobs to the state.