Mechanical Engineer Salary

Lawton vs Muskogee: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Lawton, OK and Muskogee, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lawton, OK
$93,742
$45.07/hr
Muskogee, OK
$92,765
$44.60/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLawton, OKMuskogee, OK
Median Salary$93,742$92,765
Hourly Rate$45.07$44.60
Entry Level (P10)$69,435$65,096
25th Percentile$77,447$73,287
75th Percentile$119,989$118,739
Top Earner (P90)$145,299$143,785
Total Employed136
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lawton ($93,742) and Muskogee ($92,765) mechanical engineer salaries.LawtonMuskogeeMedian Salary$93,742$92,765Entry Level (P10)$69,435$65,096Top Earner (P90)$145,299$143,785US Median $107,150

Verdict

Lawton, OK offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Muskogee.

The salary gap between Lawton and Muskogee is $977 (1.05%). Lawton's median is -12.51% compared to the US national median of $107,150.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawton spans $75,864,Muskogee spans $78,689. Muskogee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.

Lawton
P10 (Entry)$69,435
P25$77,447
Median$93,742
P75$119,989
P90 (Top)$145,299
Muskogee
P10 (Entry)$65,096
P25$73,287
Median$92,765
P75$118,739
P90 (Top)$143,785

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lawton ($105,447 effective) pays 1.05% more than Muskogee ($104,348 effective).

Lawton
Nominal: $93,742
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $105,447
Muskogee
Nominal: $92,765
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $104,348

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lawton if…

  • Higher median salary ($93,742/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($145,299)
  • Larger job market (13 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,447)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Muskogee if…

  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Lawton grew 13.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Muskogee over the same period.

Lawton, OK

+13.2%

$80,488 (2024) → $91,082 (2025)

Muskogee, OK

+13.2%

$79,649 (2024) → $90,133 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Lawton or Muskogee?

Lawton has a higher median mechanical engineer salary at $93,742/year, compared to Muskogee at $92,765/year — a difference of $977 (1.05%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lawton and Muskogee?

Lawton mechanical engineers earn $45.07/hr while Muskogee hygienists earn $44.60/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lawton to Muskogee as a mechanical engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lawton and Muskogee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lawton = $105,447, Muskogee = $104,348), job availability (13 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Lawton vs Muskogee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) mechanical engineers earn $69,435 in Lawton and $65,096 in Muskogee. The Lawton area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

Written by Amina Patel, PE

Career Analyst

Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Robinson, PhDData verified by Lina Zhang, MS

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov