Casper vs Cheyenne: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Casper, WY and Cheyenne, WY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Casper, WY | Cheyenne, WY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,114 | $132,997▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.03 | $63.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,046 | $77,138▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $106,206 | $109,991▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $161,942 | $163,819▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $198,834 | $200,262▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 13▲ |
Verdict
Cheyenne, WY offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Casper.
The salary gap between Casper and Cheyenne is $1,883 (1.44%). Cheyenne's median is -5.42% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Casper spans $122,788,Cheyenne spans $123,124. Cheyenne 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, Cheyenne ($138,828 effective) pays 1.44% more than Casper ($136,862 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Casper if…
- ✓You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle
Choose Cheyenne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,997/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($200,262)
- ✓Larger job market (13 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,828)
- ✓You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Casper grew 6.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.3% growth in Cheyenne over the same period.
Casper, WY
$119,752 (2024) → $127,345 (2025)
Cheyenne, WY
$121,471 (2024) → $129,173 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Casper, WY
Cheyenne, WY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Casper or Cheyenne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Casper and Cheyenne?
Should I relocate from Casper to Cheyenne as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Casper vs Cheyenne?
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