Veterinarian Salary

Bethany vs Lawton: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between Bethany, OK and Lawton, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bethany, OK
$115,540
$55.55/hr
Lawton, OK
$120,148
$57.76/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBethany, OKLawton, OK
Median Salary$115,540$120,148
Hourly Rate$55.55$57.76
Entry Level (P10)$67,013$71,872
25th Percentile$89,762$95,874
75th Percentile$146,233$153,790
Top Earner (P90)$179,087$186,230
Total Employed513
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bethany ($115,540) and Lawton ($120,148) veterinarian salaries.BethanyLawtonMedian Salary$115,540$120,148Entry Level (P10)$67,013$71,872Top Earner (P90)$179,087$186,230US Median $137,334

Verdict

Lawton, OK offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bethany.

The salary gap between Bethany and Lawton is $4,608 (3.99%). Lawton's median is -12.51% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bethany spans $112,074,Lawton spans $114,358. Lawton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.

Bethany
P10 (Entry)$67,013
P25$89,762
Median$115,540
P75$146,233
P90 (Top)$179,087
Lawton
P10 (Entry)$71,872
P25$95,874
Median$120,148
P75$153,790
P90 (Top)$186,230

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lawton ($135,150 effective) pays 3.99% more than Bethany ($129,966 effective).

Bethany
Nominal: $115,540
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $129,966
Lawton
Nominal: $120,148
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $135,150

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bethany if…

  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Lawton if…

  • Higher median salary ($120,148/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($186,230)
  • Larger job market (13 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,150)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Bethany grew 30.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.1% growth in Lawton over the same period.

Bethany, OK

+30.1%

$84,131 (2024) → $109,454 (2025)

Lawton, OK

+30.1%

$87,486 (2024) → $113,820 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Bethany or Lawton?

Lawton has a higher median veterinarian salary at $120,148/year, compared to Bethany at $115,540/year — a difference of $4,608 (3.99%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bethany and Lawton?

Bethany veterinarians earn $55.55/hr while Lawton hygienists earn $57.76/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bethany to Lawton as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bethany and Lawton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bethany = $129,966, Lawton = $135,150), job availability (5 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Bethany vs Lawton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $67,013 in Bethany and $71,872 in Lawton. The Lawton area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM

Career Analyst

Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov