Ponca City vs Tulsa: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist 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 | $205,569 | $223,182▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $98.84 | $107.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $148,977 | $220,447▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $187,660 | $220,447▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $249,256 | $311,602▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $277,952 | $311,602▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponca City.
The salary gap between Ponca City and Tulsa is $17,613 (8.57%). Tulsa's median is -10.33% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ponca City spans $128,975,Tulsa spans $91,155. Ponca 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 ($250,165 effective) pays 8.19% more than Ponca City ($231,236 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ponca City if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($223,182/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($311,602)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $250,165)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Ponca City grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Ponca City, OK
$173,446 (2024) → $195,408 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$178,440 (2019) → $212,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ponca City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists 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 nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Ponca City vs Tulsa?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov