Ponca City vs Tulsa: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian 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 | $113,428▲ | $103,702 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.53▲ | $49.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,581▲ | $55,081 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,557▲ | $83,772 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,133▲ | $136,721 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,814▲ | $165,159 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 330▲ |
Verdict
Ponca City, OK offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tulsa.
The salary gap between Ponca City and Tulsa is $9,726 (9.38%). Ponca City's median is -17.41% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ponca City spans $104,233,Tulsa spans $110,078. Tulsa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ponca City ($127,591 effective) pays 9.77% more than Tulsa ($116,240 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ponca City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,428/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,814)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,591)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Ponca City grew 30.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.8% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Ponca City, OK
$82,593 (2024) → $107,454 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$75,090 (2019) → $98,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ponca City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians 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 veterinarian?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov