Lawton vs Ponca City: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Lawton, OK and Ponca City, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawton, OK | Ponca City, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,850▲ | $85,477 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.27▲ | $41.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,696▲ | $63,811 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,574▲ | $70,876 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,590▲ | $107,112 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,745▲ | $130,329 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Lawton, OK offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponca City.
The salary gap between Lawton and Ponca City is $373 (0.44%). Lawton's median is -17.05% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawton spans $69,049,Ponca City spans $66,518. Lawton 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 3.89% more than Ponca City ($96,150 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,850/year)
- ✓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
Choose Ponca City if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Lawton grew -4.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 14.6% growth in Ponca City over the same period.
Lawton, OK
$87,900 (2020) → $83,650 (2025)
Ponca City, OK
$72,682 (2024) → $83,287 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawton, OK
Ponca City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Lawton or Ponca City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawton and Ponca City?
Should I relocate from Lawton to Ponca City as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Lawton vs Ponca City?
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