Lawton vs Oklahoma City: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian 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 | $120,148▲ | $104,241 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.76▲ | $50.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,872▲ | $54,585 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,874▲ | $84,680 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,790▲ | $136,489 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $186,230 | $213,020▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 450▲ |
Verdict
Lawton and Oklahoma City are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lawton and Oklahoma City is $15,907 (15.26%). 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 Lawton spans $114,358,Oklahoma City spans $158,435. Oklahoma City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lawton ($135,150 effective) pays 17.21% more than Oklahoma City ($115,301 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 ($120,148/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,150)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($213,020)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Lawton grew 30.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.5% growth in Oklahoma City over the same period.
Lawton, OK
$87,486 (2024) → $113,820 (2025)
Oklahoma City, OK
$76,240 (2019) → $98,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawton, OK
Oklahoma City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians 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 veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Lawton vs Oklahoma City?
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.
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