Oklahoma City vs Tulsa: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant 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 | $60,457 | $61,546▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.06 | $29.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,039 | $27,152▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $27,080 | $59,892▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,408 | $79,770▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,153 | $83,489▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,060▲ | 680 |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oklahoma City.
The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Tulsa is $1,089 (1.80%). Tulsa's median is -12.39% 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,Tulsa spans $56,337. Tulsa 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, Tulsa ($68,987 effective) pays 3.16% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (1,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,546/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,489)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,987)
- ✓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 -0.7% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Oklahoma City, OK
$54,700 (2019) → $58,850 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$60,320 (2019) → $59,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oklahoma City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants 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 physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Oklahoma City vs Tulsa?
Related Comparisons
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