Muskogee vs Tulsa: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Muskogee, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Muskogee, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,937 | $89,292▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.76 | $42.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,045▲ | $60,279 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,653 | $84,195▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,225 | $104,868▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,341▲ | $114,946 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 10,880▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Muskogee.
The salary gap between Muskogee and Tulsa is $355 (0.40%). Tulsa's median is -13.08% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Muskogee spans $62,296,Tulsa spans $54,667. Muskogee 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, Tulsa ($100,087 effective) pays 0.05% more than Muskogee ($100,042 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Muskogee if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,341)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,292/year)
- ✓Larger job market (10,880 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,087)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Muskogee grew 33.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.8% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Muskogee, OK
$63,199 (2024) → $84,453 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$63,840 (2019) → $84,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Muskogee, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Muskogee or Tulsa?
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Should I relocate from Muskogee to Tulsa as a registered nurse?
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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