Lawton vs Tahlequah: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant 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 | $136,610▲ | $119,811 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.68▲ | $57.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $124,253▲ | $92,919 |
| 25th Percentile | $130,968▲ | $108,598 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,306▲ | $141,092 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $182,887▲ | $154,242 |
| Total Employed | 30▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Lawton, OK offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tahlequah.
The salary gap between Lawton and Tahlequah is $16,799 (14.02%). 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 Lawton spans $58,634,Tahlequah spans $61,323. Tahlequah 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, Lawton ($158,958 effective) pays 17.95% more than Tahlequah ($134,771 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Tahlequah if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Lawton grew 31.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.2% growth in Tahlequah over the same period.
Lawton, OK
$100,609 (2024) → $132,220 (2025)
Tahlequah, OK
$98,142 (2024) → $115,961 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawton, OK
Tahlequah, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Lawton or Tahlequah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawton and Tahlequah?
Should I relocate from Lawton to Tahlequah as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Lawton vs Tahlequah?
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