Optometrist Salary

Detroit vs Macomb Township: Optometrist Salary (2026)

Compare optometrist salaries between Detroit, MI and Macomb Township, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Detroit, MI
$146,914
$70.63/hr
Macomb Township, MI
$137,067
$65.89/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDetroit, MIMacomb Township, MI
Median Salary$146,914$137,067
Hourly Rate$70.63$65.89
Entry Level (P10)$120,710$79,499
25th Percentile$135,691$105,896
75th Percentile$171,418$164,372
Top Earner (P90)$220,180$207,663
Total Employed61021
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Detroit ($146,914) and Macomb Township ($137,067) optometrist salaries.DetroitMacomb TownshipMedian Salary$146,914$137,067Entry Level (P10)$120,710$79,499Top Earner (P90)$220,180$207,663US Median $140,612

Verdict

Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Macomb Township.

The salary gap between Detroit and Macomb Township is $9,847 (7.18%). Detroit's median is +4.48% compared to the US national median of $140,612.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $99,470,Macomb Township spans $128,164. Macomb Township has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.

Detroit
P10 (Entry)$120,710
P25$135,691
Median$146,914
P75$171,418
P90 (Top)$220,180
Macomb Township
P10 (Entry)$79,499
P25$105,896
Median$137,067
P75$164,372
P90 (Top)$207,663

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Macomb Township ($147,068 effective) pays 0.40% more than Detroit ($146,477 effective).

Detroit
Nominal: $146,914
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $146,477
Macomb Township
Nominal: $137,067
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $147,068

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Detroit if…

  • Higher median salary ($146,914/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($220,180)
  • Larger job market (610 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Macomb Township if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,068)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Detroit grew 13.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.4% growth in Macomb Township over the same period.

Detroit, MI

+13.4%

$125,810 (2019) → $142,690 (2025)

Macomb Township, MI

+10.4%

$120,577 (2024) → $133,126 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Detroit or Macomb Township?

Detroit has a higher median optometrist salary at $146,914/year, compared to Macomb Township at $137,067/year — a difference of $9,847 (7.18%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Macomb Township?

Detroit optometrists earn $70.63/hr while Macomb Township hygienists earn $65.89/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Detroit to Macomb Township as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Detroit and Macomb Township. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Detroit = $146,477, Macomb Township = $147,068), job availability (610 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level optometrists earn in Detroit vs Macomb Township?

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $120,710 in Detroit and $79,499 in Macomb Township. The Detroit 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