Dallas vs San Angelo: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Dallas, TX and San Angelo, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | San Angelo, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $144,957▲ | $134,461 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.69▲ | $64.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,490 | $77,987▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $111,887▲ | $108,598 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,313 | $165,524▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,274 | $204,278▲ |
| Total Employed | 870▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Angelo.
The salary gap between Dallas and San Angelo is $10,496 (7.81%). 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,San Angelo spans $126,291. San Angelo 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 0.39% more than San Angelo ($140,064 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 San Angelo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($204,278)
- ✓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 San Angelo over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$110,910 (2019) → $140,790 (2025)
San Angelo, TX
$132,622 (2024) → $130,595 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
San Angelo, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Dallas or San Angelo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and San Angelo?
Should I relocate from Dallas to San Angelo as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Dallas vs San Angelo?
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