Cape Girardeau vs Kansas City: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Cape Girardeau, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cape Girardeau, MO | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,224 | $142,682▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.76 | $68.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,086 | $96,412▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,562 | $123,552▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $143,433 | $152,844▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,179 | $181,240▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 450▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cape Girardeau.
The salary gap between Cape Girardeau and Kansas City is $20,458 (16.74%). Kansas City's median is +1.47% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cape Girardeau spans $97,093,Kansas City spans $84,828. Cape Girardeau has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($154,179 effective) pays 13.03% more than Cape Girardeau ($136,411 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cape Girardeau if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,682/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,240)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,179)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Cape Girardeau grew 6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.3% growth in Kansas City over the same period.
Cape Girardeau, MO
$111,261 (2024) → $118,710 (2025)
Kansas City, MO
$113,270 (2019) → $138,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cape Girardeau, MO
Kansas City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Cape Girardeau or Kansas City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cape Girardeau and Kansas City?
Should I relocate from Cape Girardeau to Kansas City as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Cape Girardeau vs Kansas City?
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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