Albany vs Hempstead: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Albany, NY and Hempstead, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Hempstead, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $168,875▲ | $160,482 |
| Hourly Rate | $81.18▲ | $77.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,912 | $93,079▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $119,392 | $127,838▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $179,892 | $196,056▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,341 | $239,774▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hempstead.
The salary gap between Albany and Hempstead is $8,393 (5.23%). Albany's median is +20.10% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $131,429,Hempstead spans $146,695. Hempstead has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($169,611 effective) pays 22.49% more than Hempstead ($138,466 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($168,875/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $169,611)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Hempstead if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($239,774)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Albany grew 17.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.1% growth in Hempstead over the same period.
Albany, NY
$140,220 (2019) → $164,020 (2025)
Hempstead, NY
$167,850 (2024) → $155,868 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Hempstead, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Albany or Hempstead?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Hempstead?
Should I relocate from Albany to Hempstead as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Albany vs Hempstead?
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov