Lawton vs Tulsa: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Lawton, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawton, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,549 | $66,154▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.19 | $31.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,679 | $43,481▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,872 | $49,108▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,939 | $92,146▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,798 | $93,135▲ |
| Total Employed | 280 | 2,310▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawton.
The salary gap between Lawton and Tulsa is $9,605 (16.99%). Tulsa's median is -15.77% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawton spans $47,119,Tulsa spans $49,654. Tulsa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($74,152 effective) pays 12.69% 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 Lawton if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,154/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,135)
- ✓Larger job market (2,310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,152)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Lawton grew 40.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.1% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Lawton, OK
$39,120 (2019) → $54,870 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$51,730 (2019) → $64,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawton, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Lawton or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawton and Tulsa?
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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