Altus vs Lawton: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Altus, OK and Lawton, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altus, OK | Lawton, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,228▲ | $85,850 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.93▲ | $41.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,608 | $69,696▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,119 | $78,574▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,343 | $120,590▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,204 | $138,745▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Altus and Lawton are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Altus and Lawton is $1,378 (1.61%). Altus's median is -15.72% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altus spans $74,596,Lawton spans $69,049. Altus 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, Lawton ($99,894 effective) pays 1.81% more than Altus ($98,119 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,228/year)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Lawton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($138,745)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,894)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Altus grew 14.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.8% growth in Lawton over the same period.
Altus, OK
$74,171 (2024) → $84,993 (2025)
Lawton, OK
$87,900 (2020) → $83,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawton, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov