Ponca City vs Tulsa: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Ponca City, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ponca City, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,041 | $144,271▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.34 | $69.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,124 | $103,698▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $105,297 | $128,361▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,521 | $173,744▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,453 | $173,744▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,090▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponca City.
The salary gap between Ponca City and Tulsa is $31,230 (27.63%). Tulsa's median is +5.41% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ponca City spans $45,329,Tulsa spans $70,046. Tulsa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($161,713 effective) pays 27.18% 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 Ponca City if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($144,271/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,744)
- ✓Larger job market (1,090 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,713)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Ponca City grew 5.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.8% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Ponca City, OK
$103,242 (2024) → $109,271 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$112,610 (2019) → $139,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ponca City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Ponca City or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ponca City and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Ponca City to Tulsa as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Ponca City vs Tulsa?
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