Psychologist Pay

Lawton vs Tulsa: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Lawton, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lawton, OK
$92,464
$44.45/hr
Tulsa, OK
$84,484
$40.62/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLawton, OKTulsa, OK
Median Salary$92,464$84,484
Hourly Rate$44.45$40.62
Entry Level (P10)$53,630$65,770
25th Percentile$68,976$66,064
75th Percentile$118,354$103,357
Top Earner (P90)$143,320$243,134
Total Employed13330
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lawton ($92,464) and Tulsa ($84,484) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.LawtonTulsaMedian Salary$92,464$84,484Entry Level (P10)$53,630$65,770Top Earner (P90)$143,320$243,134US Median $105,689

Verdict

Lawton and Tulsa are closely matched on overall clinical and counseling psychologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Lawton and Tulsa is $7,980 (9.45%). Lawton's median is -12.51% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawton spans $89,690,Tulsa spans $177,364. Tulsa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.

Lawton
P10 (Entry)$53,630
P25$68,976
Median$92,464
P75$118,354
P90 (Top)$143,320
Tulsa
P10 (Entry)$65,770
P25$66,064
Median$84,484
P75$103,357
P90 (Top)$243,134

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lawton ($104,009 effective) pays 9.83% more than Tulsa ($94,698 effective).

Lawton
Nominal: $92,464
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $104,009
Tulsa
Nominal: $84,484
CoL Index: 89.214
Adjusted: $94,698

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lawton if…

  • Higher median salary ($92,464/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,009)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Tulsa if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($243,134)
  • Larger job market (330 employed)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Lawton grew 32.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.9% growth in Tulsa over the same period.

Lawton, OK

+32.9%

$66,227 (2024) → $87,994 (2025)

Tulsa, OK

+22.9%

$65,400 (2021) → $80,400 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Lawton or Tulsa?

Lawton has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $92,464/year, compared to Tulsa at $84,484/year — a difference of $7,980 (9.45%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lawton and Tulsa?

Lawton clinical and counseling psychologists earn $44.45/hr while Tulsa hygienists earn $40.62/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lawton to Tulsa as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lawton and Tulsa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lawton = $104,009, Tulsa = $94,698), job availability (13 vs 330 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Lawton vs Tulsa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $53,630 in Lawton and $65,770 in Tulsa. The Tulsa area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

MG

Written by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC

Career Analyst

Maria has 10 years of experience in clinical psychology. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Maria works at a mental health clinic in Chicago.

Clinically reviewed by James Wu, PsyD, LCSWData verified by Fatima Khan, PhD, LCPC

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.08% 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 Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov