Benton vs Little Rock: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Benton, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Benton, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $119,706▲ | $117,745 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.55▲ | $56.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,430 | $70,806▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $94,591▲ | $82,656 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,871▲ | $131,984 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,939 | $179,058▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Benton and Little Rock are closely matched on overall optometrist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Benton and Little Rock is $1,961 (1.67%). Benton's median is -14.87% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $100,509,Little Rock spans $108,252. Little Rock 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, Benton ($137,751 effective) pays 4.55% more than Little Rock ($131,759 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,706/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,751)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,058)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Benton grew 18.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 54.7% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Benton, AR
$97,902 (2024) → $116,265 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$73,940 (2019) → $114,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Benton or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Benton and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Benton to Little Rock as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Benton vs Little Rock?
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