Tahlequah vs Tulsa: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Tahlequah, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tahlequah, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $120,000▲ | $103,217 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.69▲ | $49.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,682 | $78,898▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $98,000▲ | $94,836 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,576 | $155,161▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,516 | $185,987▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Tahlequah and Tulsa are closely matched on overall optometrist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Tahlequah and Tulsa is $16,783 (16.26%). Tahlequah's median is -14.66% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tahlequah spans $93,834,Tulsa spans $107,089. Tulsa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tahlequah ($134,983 effective) pays 16.67% more than Tulsa ($115,696 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tahlequah if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($120,000/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,983)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,987)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Tahlequah grew 13.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.3% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Tahlequah, OK
$102,409 (2024) → $116,550 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$105,810 (2019) → $100,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tahlequah, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Tahlequah or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tahlequah and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Tahlequah to Tulsa as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Tahlequah vs Tulsa?
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov