Ponca City vs Tulsa: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer 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 | $64,871 | $66,154▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.19 | $31.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,750▲ | $43,481 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,809▲ | $49,108 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,956 | $92,146▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,322 | $93,135▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 2,310▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponca City.
The salary gap between Ponca City and Tulsa is $1,283 (1.98%). 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 Ponca City spans $47,572,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 1.62% 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 Ponca City 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 Ponca City grew 46.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.1% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Ponca City, OK
$42,949 (2024) → $62,945 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$51,730 (2019) → $64,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ponca City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers 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 police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Ponca City vs Tulsa?
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