Dallas vs North Richland Hills: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Dallas, TX and North Richland Hills, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | North Richland Hills, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $144,957▲ | $130,128 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.69▲ | $62.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,490▲ | $75,474 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,887▲ | $101,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,313▲ | $156,651 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,274 | $190,551▲ |
| Total Employed | 870▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to North Richland Hills.
The salary gap between Dallas and North Richland Hills is $14,829 (11.40%). Dallas's median is +3.09% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $95,784,North Richland Hills spans $115,077. North Richland Hills 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, Dallas ($140,612 effective) pays 3.73% more than North Richland Hills ($135,550 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($144,957/year)
- ✓Larger job market (870 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,612)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose North Richland Hills if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($190,551)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Dallas grew 26.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.5% growth in North Richland Hills over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$110,910 (2019) → $140,790 (2025)
North Richland Hills, TX
$128,348 (2024) → $126,387 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
North Richland Hills, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Dallas or North Richland Hills?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and North Richland Hills?
Should I relocate from Dallas to North Richland Hills as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Dallas vs North Richland Hills?
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