Bryant vs Fayetteville: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Bryant, AR and Fayetteville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bryant, AR | Fayetteville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,462 | $135,794▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.51 | $65.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,968▲ | $63,279 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,008 | $100,170▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $134,117 | $165,529▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,472 | $226,162▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bryant.
The salary gap between Bryant and Fayetteville is $20,332 (17.61%). Fayetteville's median is -3.43% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bryant spans $90,504,Fayetteville spans $162,883. Fayetteville 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, Fayetteville ($148,648 effective) pays 11.88% more than Bryant ($132,868 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bryant if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,794/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($226,162)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,648)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Bryant grew 18.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 46.3% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Bryant, AR
$94,431 (2024) → $112,143 (2025)
Fayetteville, AR
$90,180 (2019) → $131,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bryant, AR
Fayetteville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Bryant or Fayetteville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bryant and Fayetteville?
Should I relocate from Bryant to Fayetteville as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Bryant vs Fayetteville?
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