Altus vs Lawton: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Altus, OK and Lawton, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altus, OK | Lawton, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,200▲ | $56,549 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.82▲ | $27.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,242▲ | $36,679 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,456▲ | $44,872 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,364▲ | $60,939 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,565▲ | $83,798 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 280▲ |
Verdict
Altus, OK offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawton.
The salary gap between Altus and Lawton is $9,651 (17.07%). Altus's median is -15.71% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altus spans $54,323,Lawton spans $47,119. Altus 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, Altus ($74,466 effective) pays 13.17% more than Lawton ($65,800 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,200/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,565)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,466)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Lawton if…
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Altus grew 46.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.3% growth in Lawton over the same period.
Altus, OK
$43,828 (2024) → $64,234 (2025)
Lawton, OK
$39,120 (2019) → $54,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawton, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov