Ponca City vs Tulsa: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Ponca City, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ponca City, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $37,173 | $39,107▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.87 | $18.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,750 | $33,803▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,237 | $37,520▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $40,504 | $40,736▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $43,099 | $46,306▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 5,420▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponca City.
The salary gap between Ponca City and Tulsa is $1,934 (5.20%). Tulsa's median is -13.11% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ponca City spans $10,349,Tulsa spans $12,503. Tulsa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced certified nursing assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($43,835 effective) pays 4.83% 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 Ponca City if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,107/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($46,306)
- ✓Larger job market (5,420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,835)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Ponca City grew 36.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.7% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Ponca City, OK
$25,604 (2024) → $34,904 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$25,730 (2019) → $36,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ponca City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Ponca City or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ponca City and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Ponca City to Tulsa as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Ponca City vs Tulsa?
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