Occupational Therapist Pay

Durant vs Lawton: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Durant, OK and Lawton, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Durant, OK
$86,058
$41.38/hr
Lawton, OK
$101,968
$49.03/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDurant, OKLawton, OK
Median Salary$86,058$101,968
Hourly Rate$41.38$49.03
Entry Level (P10)$68,821$75,780
25th Percentile$74,807$98,196
75th Percentile$95,275$125,146
Top Earner (P90)$107,690$133,421
Total Employed530
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Durant ($86,058) and Lawton ($101,968) occupational therapist salaries.DurantLawtonMedian Salary$86,058$101,968Entry Level (P10)$68,821$75,780Top Earner (P90)$107,690$133,421US Median $103,400

Verdict

Lawton, OK offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Durant.

The salary gap between Durant and Lawton is $15,910 (18.49%). Lawton's median is -1.38% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durant spans $38,869,Lawton spans $57,641. Lawton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.

Durant
P10 (Entry)$68,821
P25$74,807
Median$86,058
P75$95,275
P90 (Top)$107,690
Lawton
P10 (Entry)$75,780
P25$98,196
Median$101,968
P75$125,146
P90 (Top)$133,421

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lawton ($118,649 effective) pays 22.57% more than Durant ($96,803 effective).

Durant
Nominal: $86,058
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $96,803
Lawton
Nominal: $101,968
CoL Index: 85.941
Adjusted: $118,649

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Durant if…

  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Lawton if…

  • Higher median salary ($101,968/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($133,421)
  • Larger job market (30 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,649)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Durant grew 14.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.5% growth in Lawton over the same period.

Durant, OK

+14.0%

$73,241 (2024) → $83,503 (2025)

Lawton, OK

+28.5%

$76,988 (2024) → $98,940 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Durant or Lawton?

Lawton has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $101,968/year, compared to Durant at $86,058/year — a difference of $15,910 (18.49%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Durant and Lawton?

Durant occupational therapists earn $41.38/hr while Lawton hygienists earn $49.03/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Durant to Lawton as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Durant and Lawton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Durant = $96,803, Lawton = $118,649), job availability (5 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Durant vs Lawton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $68,821 in Durant and $75,780 in Lawton. The Lawton area offers higher starting salaries.
JM

Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Chen, OTR/LData verified by Luis Garcia, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov