Birmingham vs Huntsville: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Birmingham, AL and Huntsville, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Huntsville, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $167,712▲ | $165,941 |
| Hourly Rate | $80.63▲ | $79.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,933 | $76,880▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $137,060▲ | $128,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,701▲ | $175,361 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $202,419 | $204,942▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Huntsville.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Huntsville is $1,771 (1.07%). Birmingham's median is +19.27% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $126,486,Huntsville spans $128,062. Huntsville 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, Birmingham ($183,004 effective) pays 2.64% more than Huntsville ($178,293 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($167,712/year)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $183,004)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Huntsville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($204,942)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Birmingham grew 57.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 57.0% growth in Huntsville over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$103,340 (2019) → $162,890 (2025)
Huntsville, AL
$102,660 (2021) → $161,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Huntsville, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Birmingham or Huntsville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Huntsville?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Huntsville as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Birmingham vs Huntsville?
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