Tahlequah vs Tulsa: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist 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 | $88,242 | $111,666▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.42 | $53.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,855 | $72,956▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,006 | $97,763▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,157 | $131,360▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,534 | $140,131▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 370▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tahlequah.
The salary gap between Tahlequah and Tulsa is $23,424 (26.55%). Tulsa's median is +7.99% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tahlequah spans $39,679,Tulsa spans $67,175. Tulsa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($125,166 effective) pays 26.10% more than Tahlequah ($99,260 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tahlequah if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,666/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,131)
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,166)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Tahlequah grew 14.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.8% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Tahlequah, OK
$75,100 (2024) → $85,622 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$84,140 (2019) → $108,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tahlequah, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Tahlequah or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tahlequah and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Tahlequah to Tulsa as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Tahlequah vs Tulsa?
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.
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