Lawton vs Ponca City: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Lawton, OK and Ponca City, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawton, OK | Ponca City, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,526▲ | $113,041 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.11▲ | $54.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,650▲ | $95,124 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,933▲ | $105,297 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,823▲ | $130,521 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,799▲ | $140,453 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Lawton, OK offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponca City.
The salary gap between Lawton and Ponca City is $24,485 (21.66%). Lawton's median is +0.48% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawton spans $67,149,Ponca City spans $45,329. Lawton 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 ($160,024 effective) pays 25.85% more than Ponca City ($127,155 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,526/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,799)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,024)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Ponca City if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Lawton grew 35.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.8% growth in Ponca City over the same period.
Lawton, OK
$98,450 (2019) → $132,940 (2025)
Ponca City, OK
$103,242 (2024) → $109,271 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawton, OK
Ponca City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Lawton or Ponca City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawton and Ponca City?
Should I relocate from Lawton to Ponca City as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Lawton vs Ponca City?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov