Teacher Salary

Lawton vs Stillwater: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Lawton, OK and Stillwater, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lawton, OK
$47,794
$22.97/hr
Stillwater, OK
$55,863
$26.86/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLawton, OKStillwater, OK
Median Salary$47,794$55,863
Hourly Rate$22.97$26.86
Entry Level (P10)$45,088$42,765
25th Percentile$47,794$50,640
75th Percentile$58,993$71,505
Top Earner (P90)$62,143$86,588
Total Employed45013
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lawton ($47,794) and Stillwater ($55,863) elementary school teacher salaries.LawtonStillwaterMedian Salary$47,794$55,863Entry Level (P10)$45,088$42,765Top Earner (P90)$62,143$86,588US Median $64,597

Verdict

Stillwater, OK offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawton.

The salary gap between Lawton and Stillwater is $8,069 (16.88%). Stillwater's median is -13.52% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawton spans $17,055,Stillwater spans $43,823. Stillwater has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.

Lawton
P10 (Entry)$45,088
P25$47,794
Median$47,794
P75$58,993
P90 (Top)$62,143
Stillwater
P10 (Entry)$42,765
P25$50,640
Median$55,863
P75$71,505
P90 (Top)$86,588

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Stillwater ($62,838 effective) pays 12.99% more than Lawton ($55,613 effective).

Lawton
Nominal: $47,794
CoL Index: 85.941
Adjusted: $55,613
Stillwater
Nominal: $55,863
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $62,838

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lawton if…

  • Larger job market (450 employed)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Stillwater if…

  • Higher median salary ($55,863/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($86,588)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,838)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Lawton grew 19.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.0% growth in Stillwater over the same period.

Lawton, OK

+19.4%

$39,650 (2019) → $47,330 (2025)

Stillwater, OK

+23.0%

$44,969 (2024) → $55,321 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Lawton or Stillwater?

Stillwater has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $55,863/year, compared to Lawton at $47,794/year — a difference of $8,069 (16.88%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lawton and Stillwater?

Lawton elementary school teachers earn $22.97/hr while Stillwater hygienists earn $26.86/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lawton to Stillwater as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lawton and Stillwater. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lawton = $55,613, Stillwater = $62,838), job availability (450 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Lawton vs Stillwater?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $45,088 in Lawton and $42,765 in Stillwater. The Lawton area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov