Oklahoma City vs Tulsa: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Oklahoma City, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,563 | $104,765▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.83 | $50.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,756 | $75,238▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,622 | $83,212▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $134,630▲ | $132,639 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,435▲ | $155,926 |
| Total Employed | 880 | 880 |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 2 out of 4 metrics compared to Oklahoma City.
The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Tulsa is $3,202 (3.15%). 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 Oklahoma City spans $98,679,Tulsa spans $80,688. Oklahoma 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 ($117,431 effective) pays 4.53% more than Oklahoma City ($112,339 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,435)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,765/year)
- ✓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 Oklahoma City grew 0.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.0% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Oklahoma City, OK
$98,940 (2019) → $98,960 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$95,370 (2019) → $102,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oklahoma City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Oklahoma City or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oklahoma City and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Oklahoma City to Tulsa as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Oklahoma City 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