Oklahoma City vs Ponca City: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Oklahoma City, OK and Ponca City, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Ponca City, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,936▲ | $37,173 |
| Hourly Rate | $18.72▲ | $17.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,771▲ | $32,750 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,488▲ | $34,237 |
| 75th Percentile | $41,599▲ | $40,504 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $46,253▲ | $43,099 |
| Total Employed | 6,150▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponca City.
The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Ponca City is $1,763 (4.74%). Oklahoma City's median is -13.49% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oklahoma City spans $12,482,Ponca City spans $10,349. 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, Oklahoma City ($43,067 effective) pays 3.00% more than Ponca City ($41,814 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,936/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($46,253)
- ✓Larger job market (6,150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,067)
- ✓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, certified nursing assistant salaries in Oklahoma City grew 39.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.3% growth in Ponca City over the same period.
Oklahoma City, OK
$26,260 (2019) → $36,560 (2025)
Ponca City, OK
$25,604 (2024) → $34,904 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oklahoma City, OK
Ponca City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Oklahoma City or Ponca City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oklahoma City and Ponca City?
Should I relocate from Oklahoma City to Ponca City as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Oklahoma City vs Ponca City?
Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% 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 Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov