Brighton vs Colorado Springs: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Brighton, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brighton, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,734▲ | $135,887 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.67▲ | $65.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,851▲ | $66,595 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,103▲ | $105,328 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,570▲ | $163,809 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $205,993▲ | $201,163 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Brighton, CO offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Brighton and Colorado Springs is $4,847 (3.57%). Brighton's median is +0.09% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brighton spans $124,142,Colorado Springs spans $134,568. Colorado Springs 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, Colorado Springs ($134,933 effective) pays 0.67% more than Brighton ($134,032 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brighton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,734/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($205,993)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,933)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Brighton grew -2.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.6% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Brighton, CO
$140,120 (2024) → $136,688 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$104,260 (2019) → $131,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brighton, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Brighton or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brighton and Colorado Springs?
Should I relocate from Brighton to Colorado Springs as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Brighton vs Colorado Springs?
Related Comparisons
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