Physical Therapist Pay

Oklahoma City vs Shawnee: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Oklahoma City, OK and Shawnee, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Oklahoma City, OK
$102,183
$49.13/hr
Shawnee, OK
$90,964
$43.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricOklahoma City, OKShawnee, OK
Median Salary$102,183$90,964
Hourly Rate$49.13$43.73
Entry Level (P10)$75,554$67,270
25th Percentile$81,937$79,980
75th Percentile$110,032$104,388
Top Earner (P90)$129,766$118,502
Total Employed1,1207
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Oklahoma City ($102,183) and Shawnee ($90,964) physical therapist salaries.Oklahoma CityShawneeMedian Salary$102,183$90,964Entry Level (P10)$75,554$67,270Top Earner (P90)$129,766$118,502US Median $105,288

Verdict

Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shawnee.

The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Shawnee is $11,219 (12.33%). 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 Oklahoma City spans $54,212,Shawnee spans $51,232. Oklahoma City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Oklahoma City
P10 (Entry)$75,554
P25$81,937
Median$102,183
P75$110,032
P90 (Top)$129,766
Shawnee
P10 (Entry)$67,270
P25$79,980
Median$90,964
P75$104,388
P90 (Top)$118,502

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Oklahoma City ($113,024 effective) pays 10.46% more than Shawnee ($102,322 effective).

Oklahoma City
Nominal: $102,183
CoL Index: 90.408
Adjusted: $113,024
Shawnee
Nominal: $90,964
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $102,322

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Oklahoma City if…

  • Higher median salary ($102,183/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($129,766)
  • Larger job market (1,120 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,024)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Shawnee if…

  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Oklahoma City grew 9.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in Shawnee over the same period.

Oklahoma City, OK

+9.4%

$91,200 (2019) → $99,730 (2025)

Shawnee, OK

+14.2%

$77,756 (2024) → $88,780 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Oklahoma City or Shawnee?

Oklahoma City has a higher median physical therapist salary at $102,183/year, compared to Shawnee at $90,964/year — a difference of $11,219 (12.33%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Oklahoma City and Shawnee?

Oklahoma City physical therapists earn $49.13/hr while Shawnee hygienists earn $43.73/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Oklahoma City to Shawnee as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Oklahoma City and Shawnee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Oklahoma City = $113,024, Shawnee = $102,322), job availability (1,120 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Oklahoma City vs Shawnee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $75,554 in Oklahoma City and $67,270 in Shawnee. The Oklahoma City area offers higher starting salaries.
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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.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

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