Norman vs Oklahoma City: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Norman, OK and Oklahoma City, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Norman, OK | Oklahoma City, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,333 | $63,272▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.49 | $30.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,592▲ | $41,434 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,424▲ | $53,114 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,295▲ | $67,014 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,189▲ | $72,087 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 3,790▲ |
Verdict
Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Norman.
The salary gap between Norman and Oklahoma City is $1,939 (3.16%). Oklahoma City's median is -7.05% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norman spans $34,597,Oklahoma City spans $30,653. Norman 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 ($69,985 effective) pays 1.44% more than Norman ($68,991 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Norman if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,189)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,272/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,985)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Norman grew 28.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.1% growth in Oklahoma City over the same period.
Norman, OK
$45,051 (2024) → $58,026 (2025)
Oklahoma City, OK
$43,340 (2019) → $59,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norman, OK
Oklahoma City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Norman or Oklahoma City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Norman and Oklahoma City?
Should I relocate from Norman to Oklahoma City as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Norman vs Oklahoma City?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov