Ardmore vs Lawton: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Ardmore, OK and Lawton, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ardmore, OK | Lawton, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,270 | $60,524▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.53 | $29.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,635 | $49,933▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,041▲ | $50,281 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,330▲ | $63,103 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,781▲ | $71,104 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 380▲ |
Verdict
Lawton, OK offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ardmore.
The salary gap between Ardmore and Lawton is $3,254 (5.68%). Lawton's median is -11.09% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ardmore spans $27,146,Lawton spans $21,171. Ardmore has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lawton ($70,425 effective) pays 9.32% more than Ardmore ($64,421 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ardmore if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,781)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Lawton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,524/year)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,425)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Ardmore grew 28.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 46.3% growth in Lawton over the same period.
Ardmore, OK
$42,066 (2024) → $54,182 (2025)
Lawton, OK
$39,150 (2019) → $57,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ardmore, OK
Lawton, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Ardmore or Lawton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ardmore and Lawton?
Should I relocate from Ardmore to Lawton as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Ardmore vs Lawton?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov