Optometrist Salary

Dallas vs Weatherford: Optometrist Salary (2026)

Compare optometrist salaries between Dallas, TX and Weatherford, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$144,957
$69.69/hr
Weatherford, TX
$130,741
$62.86/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXWeatherford, TX
Median Salary$144,957$130,741
Hourly Rate$69.69$62.86
Entry Level (P10)$75,490$75,830
25th Percentile$111,887$110,243
75th Percentile$165,313$154,143
Top Earner (P90)$171,274$183,634
Total Employed8709
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($144,957) and Weatherford ($130,741) optometrist salaries.DallasWeatherfordMedian Salary$144,957$130,741Entry Level (P10)$75,490$75,830Top Earner (P90)$171,274$183,634US Median $140,612

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Weatherford.

The salary gap between Dallas and Weatherford is $14,216 (10.87%). 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,Weatherford spans $107,804. Weatherford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$75,490
P25$111,887
Median$144,957
P75$165,313
P90 (Top)$171,274
Weatherford
P10 (Entry)$75,830
P25$110,243
Median$130,741
P75$154,143
P90 (Top)$183,634

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($140,612 effective) pays 3.25% more than Weatherford ($136,189 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $144,957
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $140,612
Weatherford
Nominal: $130,741
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $136,189

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 Weatherford if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($183,634)
  • 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 Weatherford over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+26.9%

$110,910 (2019) → $140,790 (2025)

Weatherford, TX

+-1.5%

$128,953 (2024) → $126,982 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Dallas or Weatherford?

Dallas has a higher median optometrist salary at $144,957/year, compared to Weatherford at $130,741/year — a difference of $14,216 (10.87%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Weatherford?

Dallas optometrists earn $69.69/hr while Weatherford hygienists earn $62.86/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Weatherford as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Weatherford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $140,612, Weatherford = $136,189), job availability (870 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level optometrists earn in Dallas vs Weatherford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $75,490 in Dallas and $75,830 in Weatherford. The Weatherford area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Rajiv Kumar, ODData verified by Sofia Martinez, OD

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