Oklahoma City vs Tulsa: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Oklahoma City, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,258▲ | $48,693 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.68▲ | $23.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,875 | $47,127▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,329▲ | $47,350 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,992▲ | $59,639 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,299▲ | $61,275 |
| Total Employed | 6,070▲ | 4,030 |
Verdict
Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tulsa.
The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Tulsa is $565 (1.16%). Oklahoma City's median is -23.75% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oklahoma City spans $33,424,Tulsa spans $14,148. Oklahoma City 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 ($54,580 effective) pays 0.18% more than Oklahoma City ($54,484 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,258/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,299)
- ✓Larger job market (6,070 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,580)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Oklahoma City grew 12.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.5% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Oklahoma City, OK
$43,290 (2019) → $48,780 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$48,960 (2019) → $48,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oklahoma City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Oklahoma City or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oklahoma City and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Oklahoma City to Tulsa as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Oklahoma City vs Tulsa?
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.
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