Colorado Springs vs Fort Collins: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,887 | $168,072▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.33 | $80.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,595 | $107,295▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $105,328 | $135,176▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $163,809 | $246,908▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,163 | $329,832▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Fort Collins is $32,185 (23.69%). Fort Collins's median is +19.53% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $134,568,Fort Collins spans $222,537. Fort Collins 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, Fort Collins ($166,197 effective) pays 23.17% more than Colorado Springs ($134,933 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($168,072/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($329,832)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $166,197)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Colorado Springs grew 26.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 95.2% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$104,260 (2019) → $131,980 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$83,620 (2019) → $163,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Colorado Springs or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Colorado Springs vs Fort Collins?
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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