Ponca City vs Tulsa: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist 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 | $51,187▲ | $39,761 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.61▲ | $19.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,703▲ | $26,465 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,869▲ | $31,099 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,519▲ | $52,548 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,340 | $107,949▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Ponca City and Tulsa are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ponca City and Tulsa is $11,426 (28.74%). Ponca City's median is -17.41% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ponca City spans $46,637,Tulsa spans $81,484. Tulsa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ponca City ($57,578 effective) pays 29.19% more than Tulsa ($44,568 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 ($51,187/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,578)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,949)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Ponca City grew 46.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.3% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Ponca City, OK
$33,037 (2024) → $48,276 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$35,940 (2020) → $37,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ponca City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists 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 massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Ponca City vs Tulsa?
Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.03% 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, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov