Lawton vs Tahlequah: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Lawton, OK and Tahlequah, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawton, OK | Tahlequah, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,848 | $87,671▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.80 | $42.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,283▲ | $65,692 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,457▲ | $73,625 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,571▲ | $98,561 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,258 | $113,597▲ |
| Total Employed | 990▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Tahlequah, OK offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawton.
The salary gap between Lawton and Tahlequah is $2,823 (3.33%). Tahlequah's median is -14.66% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawton spans $38,975,Tahlequah spans $47,905. Tahlequah has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lawton ($98,728 effective) pays 0.11% more than Tahlequah ($98,618 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawton if…
- ✓Larger job market (990 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,728)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tahlequah if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,671/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,597)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Lawton grew 39.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.6% growth in Tahlequah over the same period.
Lawton, OK
$57,900 (2019) → $80,570 (2025)
Tahlequah, OK
$62,299 (2024) → $83,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawton, OK
Tahlequah, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Lawton or Tahlequah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawton and Tahlequah?
Should I relocate from Lawton to Tahlequah as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Lawton vs Tahlequah?
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