Albany vs Middletown: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Albany, NY and Middletown, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Middletown, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $168,875▲ | $160,658 |
| Hourly Rate | $81.18▲ | $77.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,912 | $97,085▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $119,392 | $130,521▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $179,892 | $193,868▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,341 | $233,759▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Middletown.
The salary gap between Albany and Middletown is $8,217 (5.11%). 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,Middletown spans $136,674. Middletown 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 22.36% more than Middletown ($138,618 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 Middletown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($233,759)
- ✓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 Middletown over the same period.
Albany, NY
$140,220 (2019) → $164,020 (2025)
Middletown, NY
$168,034 (2024) → $156,039 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Middletown, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Albany or Middletown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Middletown?
Should I relocate from Albany to Middletown as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Albany vs Middletown?
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