Cleveland vs Dayton: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Cleveland, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,902 | $143,114▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.26 | $68.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,954▲ | $67,284 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,619 | $101,539▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,728 | $172,509▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,229 | $207,454▲ |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Dayton, OH offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Dayton is $3,212 (2.30%). Dayton's median is +1.78% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $106,275,Dayton spans $140,170. Dayton 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, Dayton ($154,394 effective) pays 3.65% more than Cleveland ($148,954 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,114/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($207,454)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,394)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Cleveland grew 21.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.8% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$112,060 (2019) → $135,880 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$113,170 (2019) → $139,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Cleveland or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Dayton as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Cleveland vs Dayton?
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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