Columbia vs St. Louis: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Columbia, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,017 | $139,089▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.55 | $66.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,250▲ | $73,616 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,052 | $113,956▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $160,099 | $165,385▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $198,042 | $199,156▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 340▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and St. Louis is $11,072 (8.65%). St. Louis's median is -1.08% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $123,792,St. Louis spans $125,540. St. Louis 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, St. Louis ($146,274 effective) pays 2.38% more than Columbia ($142,876 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,089/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($199,156)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,274)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Columbia grew -17.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 22.1% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Columbia, MO
$150,670 (2021) → $124,337 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$110,600 (2019) → $135,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Columbia or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Columbia to St. Louis as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Columbia vs St. Louis?
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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