Optometrist Salary

Atlanta vs Warner Robins: Optometrist Salary (2026)

Compare optometrist salaries between Atlanta, GA and Warner Robins, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlanta, GA
$132,643
$63.77/hr
Warner Robins, GA
$133,008
$63.95/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GAWarner Robins, GA
Median Salary$132,643$133,008
Hourly Rate$63.77$63.95
Entry Level (P10)$52,540$77,145
25th Percentile$100,520$110,026
75th Percentile$166,095$163,654
Top Earner (P90)$195,222$200,663
Total Employed45020
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($132,643) and Warner Robins ($133,008) optometrist salaries.AtlantaWarner RobinsMedian Salary$132,643$133,008Entry Level (P10)$52,540$77,145Top Earner (P90)$195,222$200,663US Median $140,612

Verdict

Warner Robins, GA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlanta.

The salary gap between Atlanta and Warner Robins is $365 (0.28%). Warner Robins's median is -5.41% compared to the US national median of $140,612.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $142,682,Warner Robins spans $123,518. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$52,540
P25$100,520
Median$132,643
P75$166,095
P90 (Top)$195,222
Warner Robins
P10 (Entry)$77,145
P25$110,026
Median$133,008
P75$163,654
P90 (Top)$200,663

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Warner Robins ($142,866 effective) pays 7.77% more than Atlanta ($132,566 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $132,643
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $132,566
Warner Robins
Nominal: $133,008
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $142,866

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Larger job market (450 employed)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Warner Robins if…

  • Higher median salary ($133,008/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($200,663)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $142,866)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Atlanta grew 23.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.7% growth in Warner Robins over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+23.7%

$104,120 (2019) → $128,830 (2025)

Warner Robins, GA

+7.7%

$119,911 (2024) → $129,184 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Atlanta or Warner Robins?

Warner Robins has a higher median optometrist salary at $133,008/year, compared to Atlanta at $132,643/year — a difference of $365 (0.28%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Warner Robins?

Atlanta optometrists earn $63.77/hr while Warner Robins hygienists earn $63.95/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Warner Robins as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Warner Robins. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $132,566, Warner Robins = $142,866), job availability (450 vs 20 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level optometrists earn in Atlanta vs Warner Robins?

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $52,540 in Atlanta and $77,145 in Warner Robins. The Warner Robins area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Rajiv Kumar, ODData verified by Sofia Martinez, OD

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