Cleveland vs Youngstown: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Cleveland, OH and Youngstown, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Youngstown, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,902▲ | $133,884 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.26▲ | $64.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,954 | $77,652▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $95,619 | $108,193▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,728 | $165,208▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,229 | $197,378▲ |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Youngstown.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Youngstown is $6,018 (4.49%). Cleveland's median is -0.50% 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,Youngstown spans $119,726. Youngstown 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, Cleveland ($148,954 effective) pays 0.91% more than Youngstown ($147,612 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,902/year)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,954)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Youngstown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($197,378)
- ✓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 56.0% growth in Youngstown over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$112,060 (2019) → $135,880 (2025)
Youngstown, OH
$83,360 (2021) → $130,035 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Youngstown, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Cleveland or Youngstown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Youngstown?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Youngstown as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Cleveland vs Youngstown?
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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