Ponca City vs Tulsa: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Ponca City, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ponca City, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,059 | $87,320▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.41 | $41.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,710▲ | $53,274 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,837▲ | $61,739 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,933 | $109,928▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,586 | $133,471▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 540▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponca City.
The salary gap between Ponca City and Tulsa is $3,261 (3.88%). Tulsa's median is -14.20% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ponca City spans $48,876,Tulsa spans $80,197. Tulsa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($97,877 effective) pays 3.51% more than Ponca City ($94,555 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ponca City if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,320/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,471)
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,877)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Ponca City grew 19.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.9% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Ponca City, OK
$67,726 (2024) → $80,834 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$66,190 (2019) → $83,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ponca City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Ponca City or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ponca City and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Ponca City to Tulsa as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Ponca City vs Tulsa?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov