Ardmore vs Lawton: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Ardmore, OK and Lawton, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ardmore, OK | Lawton, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $118,114 | $136,610▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.78 | $65.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,128 | $124,253▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $106,025 | $130,968▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $141,910 | $167,306▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,099 | $182,887▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 30▲ |
Verdict
Lawton, OK offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ardmore.
The salary gap between Ardmore and Lawton is $18,496 (15.66%). Lawton's median is -2.69% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ardmore spans $72,971,Lawton spans $58,634. Ardmore 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 ($158,958 effective) pays 19.64% more than Ardmore ($132,862 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ardmore if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Lawton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,610/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($182,887)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $158,958)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Ardmore grew 18.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.4% growth in Lawton over the same period.
Ardmore, OK
$96,752 (2024) → $114,319 (2025)
Lawton, OK
$100,609 (2024) → $132,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ardmore, OK
Lawton, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Ardmore or Lawton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ardmore and Lawton?
Should I relocate from Ardmore to Lawton as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Ardmore vs Lawton?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov