Lawton vs Tulsa: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Lawton, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawton, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $120,148▲ | $103,702 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.76▲ | $49.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,872▲ | $55,081 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,874▲ | $83,772 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,790▲ | $136,721 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $186,230▲ | $165,159 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 330▲ |
Verdict
Lawton, OK offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tulsa.
The salary gap between Lawton and Tulsa is $16,446 (15.86%). 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,Tulsa spans $110,078. Lawton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lawton ($135,150 effective) pays 16.27% more than Tulsa ($116,240 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 top-earner potential ($186,230)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,150)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Larger job market (330 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 30.8% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Lawton, OK
$87,486 (2024) → $113,820 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$75,090 (2019) → $98,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawton, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Lawton or Tulsa?
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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.
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