Albany vs Kiryas Joel: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Albany, NY and Kiryas Joel, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Kiryas Joel, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $168,875▲ | $166,641 |
| Hourly Rate | $81.18▲ | $80.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,912 | $110,517▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $119,392 | $138,759▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $179,892 | $182,054▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,341 | $203,367▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kiryas Joel.
The salary gap between Albany and Kiryas Joel is $2,234 (1.34%). 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,Kiryas Joel spans $92,850. Albany 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, Albany ($169,611 effective) pays 11.37% more than Kiryas Joel ($152,292 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 Kiryas Joel if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,367)
- ✓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 9.8% growth in Kiryas Joel over the same period.
Albany, NY
$140,220 (2019) → $164,020 (2025)
Kiryas Joel, NY
$147,380 (2024) → $161,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Kiryas Joel, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Albany or Kiryas Joel?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Kiryas Joel?
Should I relocate from Albany to Kiryas Joel as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Albany vs Kiryas Joel?
Related Comparisons
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