Lawton vs Norman: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Lawton, OK and Norman, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawton, OK | Norman, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,425▲ | $63,294 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.94▲ | $30.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,948▲ | $41,422 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,775▲ | $56,669 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,787▲ | $72,691 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,188 | $82,583▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Lawton, OK offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Norman.
The salary gap between Lawton and Norman is $3,131 (4.95%). Lawton's median is -5.44% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawton spans $31,240,Norman spans $41,161. Norman has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lawton ($77,291 effective) pays 8.56% more than Norman ($71,197 effective).
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 ($66,425/year)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,291)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Norman if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,583)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Lawton grew 6.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.8% growth in Norman over the same period.
Lawton, OK
$60,540 (2019) → $64,660 (2025)
Norman, OK
$57,665 (2024) → $61,612 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawton, OK
Norman, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Lawton or Norman?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawton and Norman?
Should I relocate from Lawton to Norman as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Lawton vs Norman?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov