Sand Springs vs Tulsa: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Sand Springs, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sand Springs, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,621 | $63,230▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.74 | $30.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,122 | $51,772▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,479 | $54,383▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,533 | $67,965▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,558 | $76,062▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 2,370▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sand Springs.
The salary gap between Sand Springs and Tulsa is $7,609 (13.68%). Tulsa's median is -7.11% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sand Springs spans $22,436,Tulsa spans $24,290. Tulsa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($70,875 effective) pays 13.28% more than Sand Springs ($62,566 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sand Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,230/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,062)
- ✓Larger job market (2,370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,875)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Sand Springs grew 28.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.6% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Sand Springs, OK
$40,855 (2024) → $52,622 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$43,150 (2019) → $59,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sand Springs, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Sand Springs or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sand Springs and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Sand Springs to Tulsa as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Sand Springs vs Tulsa?
Related Comparisons
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