Ponca City vs Tulsa: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer 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 | $103,269 | $109,019▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.65 | $52.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,465 | $78,722▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,168 | $96,488▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $127,597 | $135,253▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,642▲ | $148,479 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 710▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponca City.
The salary gap between Ponca City and Tulsa is $5,750 (5.57%). Tulsa's median is -12.81% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ponca City spans $76,177,Tulsa spans $69,757. 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 ($122,199 effective) pays 5.20% more than Ponca City ($116,163 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ponca City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,642)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,019/year)
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,199)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Ponca City grew 18.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.1% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Ponca City, OK
$84,245 (2024) → $99,632 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$101,000 (2019) → $105,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ponca City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Ponca City or Tulsa?
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Should I relocate from Ponca City to Tulsa as a electrical engineer?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov