Colorado Springs vs Lakewood: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Lakewood, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Lakewood, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,887 | $147,754▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.33 | $71.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,595 | $85,697▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $105,328 | $119,278▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $163,809 | $181,830▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,163 | $224,378▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 27 |
Verdict
Lakewood, CO offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Lakewood is $11,867 (8.73%). Lakewood's median is +5.08% 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,Lakewood spans $138,681. Lakewood 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, Lakewood ($140,718 effective) pays 4.29% 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 Lakewood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($147,754/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($224,378)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,718)
- ✓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 -2.4% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$104,260 (2019) → $131,980 (2025)
Lakewood, CO
$147,110 (2024) → $143,506 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Lakewood, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Colorado Springs or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Lakewood as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Colorado Springs vs Lakewood?
Related Comparisons
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