Appleton vs Green Bay: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Appleton, WI and Green Bay, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Green Bay, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $154,502▲ | $149,127 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.29▲ | $71.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,789▲ | $52,324 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,779▲ | $100,468 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,349▲ | $183,166 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $214,558 | $226,378▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Appleton, WI offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Green Bay.
The salary gap between Appleton and Green Bay is $5,375 (3.60%). Appleton's median is +9.88% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $138,769,Green Bay spans $174,054. Green Bay 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, Appleton ($167,176 effective) pays 4.35% more than Green Bay ($160,203 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($154,502/year)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $167,176)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Green Bay if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($226,378)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Appleton grew 19.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 103.4% growth in Green Bay over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$125,360 (2021) → $150,060 (2025)
Green Bay, WI
$71,220 (2019) → $144,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Green Bay, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Appleton or Green Bay?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Green Bay?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Green Bay as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Appleton vs Green Bay?
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