Stillwater vs Tulsa: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Stillwater, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Stillwater, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,663 | $110,577▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.55 | $53.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,320 | $72,775▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,285 | $87,698▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $118,609 | $132,993▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $143,628 | $144,613▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 1,060▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Stillwater.
The salary gap between Stillwater and Tulsa is $17,914 (19.33%). Tulsa's median is +3.20% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Stillwater spans $76,308,Tulsa spans $71,838. Stillwater 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, Tulsa ($123,946 effective) pays 18.91% more than Stillwater ($104,233 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Stillwater if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,577/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,613)
- ✓Larger job market (1,060 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,946)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Stillwater grew 13.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.8% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Stillwater, OK
$79,561 (2024) → $90,034 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$92,780 (2019) → $107,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Stillwater, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Stillwater or Tulsa?
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Should I relocate from Stillwater to Tulsa as a mechanical engineer?
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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.
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