Teacher Salary

Jenks vs Lawton: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Jenks, OK and Lawton, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Jenks, OK
$54,833
$26.37/hr
Lawton, OK
$47,794
$22.97/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJenks, OKLawton, OK
Median Salary$54,833$47,794
Hourly Rate$26.37$22.97
Entry Level (P10)$43,088$45,088
25th Percentile$50,128$47,794
75th Percentile$67,840$58,993
Top Earner (P90)$83,671$62,143
Total Employed4450
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jenks ($54,833) and Lawton ($47,794) elementary school teacher salaries.JenksLawtonMedian Salary$54,833$47,794Entry Level (P10)$43,088$45,088Top Earner (P90)$83,671$62,143US Median $64,597

Verdict

Jenks, OK offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawton.

The salary gap between Jenks and Lawton is $7,039 (14.73%). Jenks's median is -15.12% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jenks spans $40,583,Lawton spans $17,055. Jenks has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Jenks
P10 (Entry)$43,088
P25$50,128
Median$54,833
P75$67,840
P90 (Top)$83,671
Lawton
P10 (Entry)$45,088
P25$47,794
Median$47,794
P75$58,993
P90 (Top)$62,143

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Jenks ($61,679 effective) pays 10.91% more than Lawton ($55,613 effective).

Jenks
Nominal: $54,833
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $61,679
Lawton
Nominal: $47,794
CoL Index: 85.941
Adjusted: $55,613

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Jenks if…

  • Higher median salary ($54,833/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($83,671)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,679)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Lawton if…

  • Larger job market (450 employed)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Jenks grew 23.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.4% growth in Lawton over the same period.

Jenks, OK

+23.0%

$44,141 (2024) → $54,301 (2025)

Lawton, OK

+19.4%

$39,650 (2019) → $47,330 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Jenks or Lawton?

Jenks has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $54,833/year, compared to Lawton at $47,794/year — a difference of $7,039 (14.73%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jenks and Lawton?

Jenks elementary school teachers earn $26.37/hr while Lawton hygienists earn $22.97/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Jenks to Lawton as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jenks and Lawton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jenks = $61,679, Lawton = $55,613), job availability (4 vs 450 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Jenks vs Lawton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $43,088 in Jenks and $45,088 in Lawton. The Lawton area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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 Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov