Denver vs Thornton: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Denver, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $162,811▲ | $149,961 |
| Hourly Rate | $78.27▲ | $72.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,028 | $86,978▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $131,078▲ | $114,788 |
| 75th Percentile | $174,805 | $187,470▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $220,973 | $231,866▲ |
| Total Employed | 470▲ | 34 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Thornton.
The salary gap between Denver and Thornton is $12,850 (8.57%). Denver's median is +15.79% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $138,945,Thornton spans $144,888. Thornton 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, Denver ($153,912 effective) pays 7.77% more than Thornton ($142,820 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($162,811/year)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,912)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($231,866)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Denver grew 29.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.4% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Denver, CO
$122,300 (2019) → $158,130 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$149,307 (2024) → $145,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Denver or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Denver to Thornton as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Denver vs Thornton?
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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