Del City vs Tulsa: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Del City, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Del City, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $117,537▲ | $103,217 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.50▲ | $49.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,172 | $78,898▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $100,214▲ | $94,836 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,804 | $155,161▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,559 | $185,987▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Del City and Tulsa are closely matched on overall optometrist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Del City and Tulsa is $14,320 (13.87%). Del City's median is -16.41% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Del City spans $91,387,Tulsa spans $107,089. Tulsa 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, Del City ($132,213 effective) pays 14.28% more than Tulsa ($115,696 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Del City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($117,537/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,213)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,987)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Del City grew 13.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.3% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Del City, OK
$100,307 (2024) → $114,158 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$105,810 (2019) → $100,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Del City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Del City or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Del City and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Del City to Tulsa as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Del City vs Tulsa?
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