Lawton vs Ponca City: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Lawton, OK and Ponca City, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawton, OK | Ponca City, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,030▲ | $61,393 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.26▲ | $29.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,265▲ | $48,148 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,682▲ | $54,762 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,066▲ | $65,556 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,715▲ | $71,860 |
| Total Employed | 13▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Lawton, OK offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponca City.
The salary gap between Lawton and Ponca City is $3,637 (5.92%). Lawton's median is -12.51% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawton spans $33,450,Ponca City spans $23,712. Lawton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lawton ($73,150 effective) pays 5.92% more than Ponca City ($69,058 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 ($65,030/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,715)
- ✓Larger job market (13 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,150)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Ponca City if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Lawton grew 1.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.5% growth in Ponca City over the same period.
Lawton, OK
$62,400 (2024) → $63,253 (2025)
Ponca City, OK
$54,512 (2024) → $59,715 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawton, OK
Ponca City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Lawton or Ponca City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawton and Ponca City?
Should I relocate from Lawton to Ponca City as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Lawton vs Ponca City?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% 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, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov