Gas tank water heater replacement cost in Oklahoma City, OK
Installed, 50 gallon, standard vent
A typical gas water heater (50 gallon, standard vent) costs about $1,950 installed in the Oklahoma City area, 3% below the national figure, because plumbers here earn a median $28 an hour against $31 nationally.
Prices by size in Oklahoma City
| Size | Low | Typical | High | National typical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 gallon, standard vent | $1,650 | $1,850 | $2,300 | $1,900 |
| 50 gallon, standard vent | $1,700 | $1,950 | $2,500 | $2,000 |
| 75 gallon, standard vent | $2,450 | $2,750 | $3,200 | $2,800 |
| 40 gallon, power vent | $2,450 | $2,700 | $3,100 | $2,750 |
| 50 gallon, power vent | $2,600 | $2,800 | $3,350 | $2,850 |
Local labor: what plumbers earn here
| Hourly wage | Oklahoma City metro | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $23 | $24 |
| Median | $28 | $31 |
| 75th percentile | $38 | $41 |
The Oklahoma City market
Oklahoma City's Development Center answers the question directly: replacing a water heater requires a plumbing permit. Heating and air work falls under the general rule that permits are needed to construct, alter or repair, issued before work begins. The city is strict about who can pull them: electrical, plumbing, mechanical and heat-and-air permits may only be issued to contractors licensed by the State of Oklahoma and registered with the city, and no homeowner route is described. Each permit comes with a required inspections list. Fees were not confirmed, so check the city's fee schedule. Suburbs like Edmond, Norman and Moore have their own departments. Statewide, EIA's 2020 survey found 52% of Oklahoma homes heat with natural gas and 39% with electricity, 69% use a furnace and 83% have central air.
Half of Oklahoma homes heat water with gas and 45% with electricity, so check which you have before comparing quotes. Matching the old fuel and size keeps the job simple. Ask whether the quote includes a new gas connector or breaker, an expansion tank and haul-away. For a tank in a garage or attic, ask about a drain pan and where the relief line ends. Keep the final inspection record with your house papers.
Permits in Oklahoma City
| Permit for this job | Yes (source) |
|---|---|
| Fee | Not stated on the city pages we checked |
| Who can pull it | Licensed contractor only (Oklahoma-licensed and City-registered); no homeowner route stated |
| Inspection | Yes |
Rebates in Oklahoma
HEAR: announced, not open yet. HOMES: announced, not open yet. Source: Oklahoma Department of Commerce, State Energy Office, checked October 13, 2026.
What these programs cover, and other states
Other systems in Oklahoma City
- Gas tankless water heater
- Gas furnace
- Central air conditioner
- Heat pump (ducted, outdoor unit + air handler)
Gas tank water heater cost in other metros
Sources
- Oklahoma City, OK permit source (water heater permit)
- Oklahoma City, OK permit source (hvac permit)
- Oklahoma City, OK permit source (inspection)
- EIA RECS 2020: Highlights for space heating fuel in U.S. homes by state
- EIA RECS 2020: Highlights for space heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA RECS 2020: Highlights for air conditioning in U.S. homes by state
- EIA RECS 2020: Highlights for water heating in U.S. homes by state
- BLS OEWS May 2025, Oklahoma City, OK (47-2152 plumbers)
- DOE Consumer Water Heaters Final Rule TSD (Apr 2024), Table 8.2.7 (2022$); labor share from App. 8D (3.75 h + trip, $420 of $791)