Ardmore vs Tulsa: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer 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 | $140,648▲ | $113,306 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.62▲ | $54.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,576▲ | $49,575 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,266▲ | $79,394 |
| 75th Percentile | $180,030▲ | $173,875 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $218,004 | $227,911▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,820▲ |
Verdict
Ardmore and Tulsa are closely matched on overall lawyer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ardmore and Tulsa is $27,342 (24.13%). Ardmore's median is -15.87% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ardmore spans $136,428,Tulsa spans $178,336. Tulsa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ardmore ($158,209 effective) pays 24.57% more than Tulsa ($127,005 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ardmore if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,648/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $158,209)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($227,911)
- ✓Larger job market (1,820 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Ardmore grew 35.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -7.7% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Ardmore, OK
$99,276 (2024) → $134,334 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$117,210 (2019) → $108,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ardmore, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov