Claremore vs Tulsa: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Claremore, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Claremore, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,664 | $104,765▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.15 | $50.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,660 | $75,238▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $70,008 | $83,212▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,257 | $132,639▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,384 | $155,926▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 880▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Claremore.
The salary gap between Claremore and Tulsa is $17,101 (19.51%). Tulsa's median is +1.23% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Claremore spans $70,724,Tulsa spans $80,688. Tulsa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($117,431 effective) pays 19.09% more than Claremore ($98,610 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Claremore if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,765/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($155,926)
- ✓Larger job market (880 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,431)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Claremore grew 14.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.0% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Claremore, OK
$74,541 (2024) → $85,418 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$95,370 (2019) → $102,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Claremore, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Claremore or Tulsa?
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Should I relocate from Claremore to Tulsa as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Claremore vs Tulsa?
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