Oklahoma City vs Ponca City: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Oklahoma City, OK and Ponca City, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Ponca City, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,573▲ | $64,871 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.30▲ | $31.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,841▲ | $44,750 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,991▲ | $52,809 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,629▲ | $80,956 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,636▲ | $92,322 |
| Total Employed | 2,970▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponca City.
The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Ponca City is $12,702 (19.58%). Oklahoma City's median is -1.23% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oklahoma City spans $60,795,Ponca City spans $47,572. Oklahoma City 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, Oklahoma City ($85,803 effective) pays 17.59% more than Ponca City ($72,971 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,573/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,636)
- ✓Larger job market (2,970 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,803)
- ✓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, police officer salaries in Oklahoma City grew 30.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.6% growth in Ponca City over the same period.
Oklahoma City, OK
$57,800 (2019) → $75,270 (2025)
Ponca City, OK
$42,949 (2024) → $62,945 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oklahoma City, OK
Ponca City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Oklahoma City or Ponca City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oklahoma City and Ponca City?
Should I relocate from Oklahoma City to Ponca City as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Oklahoma City vs Ponca City?
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