Tahlequah vs Tulsa: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Tahlequah, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tahlequah, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,949 | $61,546▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.83 | $29.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,383▲ | $27,152 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,519 | $59,892▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,332 | $79,770▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,030 | $83,489▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 680▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tahlequah.
The salary gap between Tahlequah and Tulsa is $1,597 (2.66%). 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 Tahlequah spans $27,647,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 2.30% more than Tahlequah ($67,434 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tahlequah if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,546/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,489)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓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 Tahlequah grew 6.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -0.7% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Tahlequah, OK
$54,618 (2024) → $58,356 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$60,320 (2019) → $59,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tahlequah, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Tahlequah or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tahlequah and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Tahlequah to Tulsa as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Tahlequah vs Tulsa?
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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