Albany vs Valley Stream: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Albany, NY and Valley Stream, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Valley Stream, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $168,875▲ | $161,329 |
| Hourly Rate | $81.18▲ | $77.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,912 | $93,571▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $119,392 | $135,471▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $179,892 | $195,471▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,341 | $236,038▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Valley Stream.
The salary gap between Albany and Valley Stream is $7,546 (4.68%). 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,Valley Stream spans $142,467. Valley Stream 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 21.85% more than Valley Stream ($139,197 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 Valley Stream if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($236,038)
- ✓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 Valley Stream over the same period.
Albany, NY
$140,220 (2019) → $164,020 (2025)
Valley Stream, NY
$168,736 (2024) → $156,691 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Valley Stream, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Albany or Valley Stream?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Valley Stream?
Should I relocate from Albany to Valley Stream as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Albany vs Valley Stream?
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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