Oklahoma City vs Tulsa: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Oklahoma City, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,272▲ | $63,230 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.42▲ | $30.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,434 | $51,772▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,114 | $54,383▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,014 | $67,965▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,087 | $76,062▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,790▲ | 2,370 |
Verdict
Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tulsa.
The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Tulsa is $42 (0.07%). Oklahoma City's median is -7.05% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oklahoma City spans $30,653,Tulsa spans $24,290. Oklahoma City 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, Tulsa ($70,875 effective) pays 1.27% more than Oklahoma City ($69,985 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,272/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,790 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,062)
- ✓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 Oklahoma City grew 38.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.6% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Oklahoma City, OK
$43,340 (2019) → $59,860 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$43,150 (2019) → $59,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oklahoma City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Oklahoma City or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oklahoma City and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Oklahoma City to Tulsa as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Oklahoma City vs Tulsa?
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