Norman vs Oklahoma City: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Norman, OK and Oklahoma City, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Norman, OK | Oklahoma City, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,294▲ | $60,457 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.43▲ | $29.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,422▲ | $24,039 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,669▲ | $27,080 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,691▲ | $68,408 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,583▲ | $79,153 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 1,060▲ |
Verdict
Norman, OK offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oklahoma City.
The salary gap between Norman and Oklahoma City is $2,837 (4.69%). Norman's median is -9.90% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norman spans $41,161,Oklahoma City spans $55,114. Oklahoma City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Norman ($71,197 effective) pays 6.47% more than Oklahoma City ($66,871 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Norman if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,294/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,583)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,197)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Norman grew 6.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.6% growth in Oklahoma City over the same period.
Norman, OK
$57,665 (2024) → $61,612 (2025)
Oklahoma City, OK
$54,700 (2019) → $58,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norman, OK
Oklahoma City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Norman or Oklahoma City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Norman and Oklahoma City?
Should I relocate from Norman to Oklahoma City as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Norman vs Oklahoma City?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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 Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov