Oklahoma City vs Lawton: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Oklahoma City, OK and Lawton, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Lawton, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,457 | $66,425▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.06 | $31.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,039 | $46,948▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $27,080 | $60,775▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,408 | $77,787▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,153▲ | $78,188 |
| Total Employed | 1,060▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Oklahoma City and Lawton are closely matched on overall physical therapist assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Lawton is $5,968 (9.87%). Lawton's median is -5.44% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oklahoma City spans $55,114,Lawton spans $31,240. 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, Lawton ($77,291 effective) pays 15.58% 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 Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,153)
- ✓Larger job market (1,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Lawton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,425/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,291)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Oklahoma City grew 7.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.8% growth in Lawton over the same period.
Oklahoma City, OK
$54,700 (2019) → $58,850 (2025)
Lawton, OK
$60,540 (2019) → $64,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oklahoma City, OK
Lawton, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Oklahoma City or Lawton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oklahoma City and Lawton?
Should I relocate from Oklahoma City to Lawton as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Oklahoma City vs Lawton?
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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