Ardmore vs Tulsa: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Ardmore, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ardmore, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $118,114 | $138,841▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.78 | $66.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,128▲ | $61,258 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,025 | $133,541▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $141,910 | $167,296▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,099 | $184,034▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 350▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ardmore.
The salary gap between Ardmore and Tulsa is $20,727 (17.55%). Tulsa's median is -1.10% 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,Tulsa spans $122,776. Tulsa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($155,627 effective) pays 17.13% 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 Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,841/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($184,034)
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,627)
- ✓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 25.7% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Ardmore, OK
$96,752 (2024) → $114,319 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$106,930 (2019) → $134,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ardmore, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Ardmore or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ardmore and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Ardmore to Tulsa as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Ardmore vs Tulsa?
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