Oklahoma City vs Tulsa: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Oklahoma City, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,354 | $113,306▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.10 | $54.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,993▲ | $49,575 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,410▲ | $79,394 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,413 | $173,875▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $215,954 | $227,911▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,310▲ | 1,820 |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oklahoma City.
The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Tulsa is $4,952 (4.57%). Tulsa's median is -32.22% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oklahoma City spans $153,961,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, Tulsa ($127,005 effective) pays 5.97% more than Oklahoma City ($119,850 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,306/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($227,911)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,005)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Oklahoma City grew 18.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.7% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Oklahoma City, OK
$87,600 (2019) → $103,490 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$117,210 (2019) → $108,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oklahoma City, 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