Ponca City vs Tulsa: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer 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 | $54,028 | $62,035▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.98 | $29.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,732 | $46,184▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,767 | $53,728▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,868 | $74,109▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,276 | $78,765▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponca City.
The salary gap between Ponca City and Tulsa is $8,007 (14.82%). Tulsa's median is -5.17% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ponca City spans $26,544,Tulsa spans $32,581. Tulsa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($69,535 effective) pays 14.42% more than Ponca City ($60,774 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 ($62,035/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,765)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,535)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Ponca City grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.0% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Ponca City, OK
$42,949 (2024) → $51,637 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$50,670 (2019) → $59,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ponca City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers 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 athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Ponca City vs Tulsa?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% 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, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov