Bethany vs Lawton: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Bethany, OK and Lawton, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bethany, OK | Lawton, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,428▲ | $84,848 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.56▲ | $40.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,631 | $68,283▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,033 | $81,457▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,901 | $101,571▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,758▲ | $107,258 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 990▲ |
Verdict
Bethany, OK offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawton.
The salary gap between Bethany and Lawton is $1,580 (1.86%). Bethany's median is -15.87% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bethany spans $55,127,Lawton spans $38,975. Bethany 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 ($98,728 effective) pays 1.55% more than Bethany ($97,219 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bethany if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,428/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,758)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Lawton if…
- ✓Larger job market (990 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,728)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Bethany grew 33.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.2% growth in Lawton over the same period.
Bethany, OK
$61,416 (2024) → $82,070 (2025)
Lawton, OK
$57,900 (2019) → $80,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bethany, OK
Lawton, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Bethany or Lawton?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov