Lawton vs Oklahoma City: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Lawton, OK and Oklahoma City, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawton, OK | Oklahoma City, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,015 | $102,183▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.57 | $49.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,593▲ | $75,554 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,812▲ | $81,937 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,319▲ | $110,032 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,100 | $129,766▲ |
| Total Employed | 60 | 1,120▲ |
Verdict
Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawton.
The salary gap between Lawton and Oklahoma City is $1,168 (1.16%). Oklahoma City's median is -2.95% 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,Oklahoma City spans $54,212. Oklahoma City 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 4.00% more than Oklahoma City ($113,024 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawton if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,540)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,183/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,766)
- ✓Larger job market (1,120 employed)
- ✓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 9.4% growth in Oklahoma City over the same period.
Lawton, OK
$105,740 (2019) → $98,590 (2025)
Oklahoma City, OK
$91,200 (2019) → $99,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawton, OK
Oklahoma City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Lawton or Oklahoma City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawton and Oklahoma City?
Should I relocate from Lawton to Oklahoma City as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Lawton vs Oklahoma City?
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