Employment

Appropriated and non-appropriated fund jobs at Altus Air Force Base are published on the USAJOBS website. For more information, please contact NAF Office at 580-481-5639 or the Civilian Personnel Office at 580-481-6804. The Airman and Family Readiness Center offers additional assistance on current job listings, job applications and workshops and provides you with lots of resources to be successful. Although Altus is a small city with no large industries and a slightly lower average salary than many locations, jobs do exist for qualified family members. Positions range from federal positions, recreation aids and child development assistants to food service workers, office automation clerks and maintenance positions.

Spouse Preference Program

Military spouse preference provides priority in the employment selection process for military spouses who are relocating as a result of their military spouse's permanent change of station. Spouse preference may be used for most vacant positions in Department of Defense and applies only within the commuting area of the permanent duty station of the sponsor. Spouse preference is not limited to the branch of military of which the sponsor is serving or to only those who have previously worked for the federal government. Spouses must be found best qualified for the position and may exercise preference no more than one time per permanent relocation of the sponsor. Preference does not provide any guarantee of employment. Spouse preference eligibility begins 30 days prior to the sponsor's reporting date to the new duty station and continues throughout the assignment date or until a spouse accepts or declines a continuing appropriated or non-appropriated fund position (lasting one year or longer) from any federal agency in the commuting area.

The vast majority of jobs in our local economy are service sector jobs which offer lower salaries in general. There are 12,000+ jobs in the local economy, most of which are located in businesses with fewer than 50 employees. The economy created by Altus Air Force Base is a major portion of the overall local economy and creates a cooperative atmosphere between the local employers and the Air Force family job seeker. Most larger employers report that between 10-50% of their work force are Air Force family members.

For job hunting purposes, be sure to hand carry the following when you move: all employment records, resumes, college transcripts, certificates, license and last performance appraisal (SF50) if applicable. Do not let the movers pack these items.

My Career Advancement Account:

The My Career Advancement Account is a tuition assistance program providing up to $4,000 over two years of financial assistance for military spouses who are pursuing a license, certification or associate’s degree. For information on MyCAA and military spouse education and career opportunities, visit the Military OneSource website.

Gen. Henry H. Arnold Grant

The Gen. Henry H. Arnold Grant is a $500-$4,000 scholarship awarded to eligible Air Force dependents each year. Competitive, needs-based criteria correlates to the student’s level of financial need. For information about the grant, visit the Air Force Aid Society's website.

The office for the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (unemployment) is located outside the base; the address is 1115 N. Spurgeon St., Altus, OK 73521, 580-482-3262. Call 888-980-9675 for unemployment claims services and employment information. You must complete your unemployment application online; however, a staff member from the office can assist you.

Military Spouse Unemployment Compensation:

Laws for eligibility for unemployment compensation (due to permanent change of station-related job loss) varies from state to state. For a state-by-state guide to the laws as they affect military spouses, check out the your state’s employment website, go to Career One Stop or visit the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission website.

Oklahoma Economic Data:

The economy of Oklahoma employs 1.72 million people. The largest industries in Oklahoma are restaurants and food services (116,348 people), elementary and secondary schools (106,969 people) and construction (103,274 people); the highest-paying industries are natural gas distribution ($126,571), furniture and home furnishing merchant wholesalers ($122,151) and medical equipment and supplies manufacturing ($118,338).

The median household income in Oklahoma is $51,924. Males in Oklahoma have an average income that is 1.43 times higher than the average income of females, which is $41,789. The income inequality in Oklahoma (measured using the Gini index) is 0.465, which is lower than the national average. For more information, visit the United States data website or the website that discusses Oklahoma's minimum wage act.