Lawton vs Tulsa: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Lawton, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawton, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,704 | $55,687▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.85 | $26.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,714 | $41,554▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,714 | $49,499▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,822 | $64,276▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,360▲ | $75,642 |
| Total Employed | 80 | 4,520▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawton.
The salary gap between Lawton and Tulsa is $3,983 (7.70%). Tulsa's median is -0.37% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawton spans $42,646,Tulsa spans $34,088. Lawton 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, Tulsa ($62,420 effective) pays 3.75% more than Lawton ($60,162 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,360)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,687/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,520 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,420)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Lawton grew 22.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.3% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Lawton, OK
$40,730 (2019) → $49,720 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$43,080 (2019) → $53,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawton, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Lawton or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawton and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Lawton to Tulsa as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Lawton vs Tulsa?
Related Comparisons
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov