Ponca City vs Tulsa: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist 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 | $65,563 | $76,221▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.52 | $36.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,561 | $49,332▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,596 | $67,254▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,744 | $81,354▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,880 | $92,170▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponca City.
The salary gap between Ponca City and Tulsa is $10,658 (16.26%). Tulsa's median is -3.98% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ponca City spans $37,319,Tulsa spans $42,838. Tulsa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($85,436 effective) pays 15.85% more than Ponca City ($73,749 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 ($76,221/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,170)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,436)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Ponca City grew 31.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Ponca City, OK
$47,904 (2024) → $63,102 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$60,340 (2019) → $73,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ponca City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists 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 dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Ponca City vs Tulsa?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% 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, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov