Lawton vs Tulsa: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Lawton, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawton, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,524 | $63,230▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.10 | $30.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,933 | $51,772▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,281 | $54,383▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,103 | $67,965▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,104 | $76,062▲ |
| Total Employed | 380 | 2,370▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawton.
The salary gap between Lawton and Tulsa is $2,706 (4.47%). Tulsa's median is -7.11% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawton spans $21,171,Tulsa spans $24,290. Tulsa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($70,875 effective) pays 0.64% more than Lawton ($70,425 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawton if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,230/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,062)
- ✓Larger job market (2,370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,875)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Lawton grew 46.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.6% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Lawton, OK
$39,150 (2019) → $57,260 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$43,150 (2019) → $59,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawton, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Lawton or Tulsa?
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Should I relocate from Lawton to Tulsa as a licensed practical nurse?
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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