Ardmore vs Lawton: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Ardmore, OK and Lawton, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ardmore, OK | Lawton, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,329 | $62,302▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.56 | $29.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,031 | $49,812▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,009 | $50,307▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,390▲ | $64,125 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,189▲ | $76,173 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Lawton, OK offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ardmore.
The salary gap between Ardmore and Lawton is $4,973 (8.67%). Lawton's median is -8.57% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ardmore spans $42,158,Lawton spans $26,361. Ardmore 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, Lawton ($72,494 effective) pays 12.42% more than Ardmore ($64,487 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ardmore if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,189)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Lawton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,302/year)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,494)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Ardmore grew 29.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 48.9% growth in Lawton over the same period.
Ardmore, OK
$42,066 (2024) → $54,392 (2025)
Lawton, OK
$39,710 (2019) → $59,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ardmore, OK
Lawton, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Ardmore or Lawton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ardmore and Lawton?
Should I relocate from Ardmore to Lawton as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Ardmore vs Lawton?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov