Lawton, Oklahoma, presents a unique employment landscape shaped significantly by the presence of a major military installation. The city’s economy and job market are distinctly influenced by its relationship with Fort Sill, creating a specialized environment for job seekers. Understanding this dynamic is the first step toward a successful job search, as it dictates the types of opportunities available. This guide offers practical, locally-focused strategies, including identifying the largest employers and leveraging the area’s professional network.
Understanding the Lawton Job Market
The Lawton economy is heavily anchored by the federal presence of Fort Sill, the U.S. Army’s Field Artillery Center of Excellence. Fort Sill is the largest single source of economic activity and employment in the region, driving demand in supporting sectors. Employment related to the base includes federal civil service, defense contracting, and service industries catering to the military and dependent population.
This relationship creates a stable job market due to consistent federal spending. However, the local unemployment rate has historically trended slightly higher than the Oklahoma state average. Recent development efforts focus on diversifying the economy beyond the military, promoting technology and engineering jobs to support the base’s modern needs. This shift is creating a push for high-tech industrial careers, often through specialized facilities like the Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator (FISTA).
Major Employers and High-Demand Industries
The largest and most consistent employers in Lawton fall into government, healthcare, and education sectors. The federal government, through Fort Sill, offers numerous civilian positions in fields ranging from administration and logistics to technical support. Defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Dynetics also maintain a presence, seeking professionals with backgrounds in engineering, science, and technical services to support the base’s operations.
Healthcare is a major industry, anchored by facilities such as Comanche County Memorial Hospital and Southwestern Medical Center. These institutions frequently seek talent in nursing, patient care, medical administration, and specialized technical roles. The education sector is a steady source of employment, with Lawton Public Schools, Cameron University, and the Great Plains Technology Center requiring teachers, administrators, and vocational training specialists.
Manufacturing and Trades
The city is also home to large manufacturing operations like Goodyear Tire & Rubber and Bar-S Foods. These companies regularly hire for roles in production, logistics, and skilled trades.
Effective Local Job Search Strategies
An effective job search requires utilizing both state-level and specialized local platforms. The Oklahoma Works website is the primary state resource, offering a comprehensive portal for job seekers and connecting users to various employment services. This resource is particularly useful as it partners with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC), which manages unemployment and job placement programs.
For positions tied to the military installation, the federal government’s USAJOBS platform is the authoritative source for civil service openings at Fort Sill. Military spouses and veterans should also seek out the Fort Sill Employment Readiness Program, which provides tailored job search assistance. Local government and smaller business positions are often found on the City of Lawton’s official website, which maintains a career portal for municipal openings.
Leveraging Local Networking Opportunities
Building professional connections is an effective strategy in Lawton, where many opportunities are found through local referrals. The Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce serves as a central hub for the business community and offers various networking events, including monthly meetings and specialized committees. Joining this organization provides a direct path to meet local business owners and industry leaders.
The Chamber maintains a Military Affairs Committee, which fosters relationships between the business sector and the Fort Sill community. Attending these gatherings, local job fairs, and professional association meetings allows job seekers to conduct informational interviews and learn about unadvertised openings. Making in-person connections in this market is a stronger approach than relying solely on online applications.
Essential Application and Interview Preparation
Tailoring application materials to the Lawton employment environment sets candidates apart. Resumes and cover letters for defense or contracting roles should explicitly demonstrate familiarity with military culture and federal hiring practices. Federal resumes often require a more detailed format than private-sector resumes, necessitating a focus on specific duties and accomplishments.
When interviewing, demonstrating an understanding of the local economy’s dual nature—military and civilian—shows commitment to the community. Prepare to discuss how your skills translate to supporting the healthcare, manufacturing, or defense sectors. Since many roles are community-facing, emphasizing reliability, stability, and a willingness to engage locally can be persuasive to hiring managers.