Lawton vs Norman: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Lawton, OK and Norman, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawton, OK | Norman, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,015▲ | $94,867 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.57▲ | $45.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,593▲ | $66,956 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,812▲ | $81,522 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,319▲ | $111,674 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,100 | $124,367▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Lawton, OK offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Norman.
The salary gap between Lawton and Norman is $6,148 (6.48%). Lawton's median is -4.06% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawton spans $46,507,Norman spans $57,411. Norman has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lawton ($117,540 effective) pays 10.15% more than Norman ($106,712 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 ($101,015/year)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,540)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Norman if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,367)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Lawton grew -6.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in Norman over the same period.
Lawton, OK
$105,740 (2019) → $98,590 (2025)
Norman, OK
$81,091 (2024) → $92,589 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawton, OK
Norman, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Lawton or Norman?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawton and Norman?
Should I relocate from Lawton to Norman as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Lawton vs Norman?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov