Elko vs Las Vegas: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Elko, NV and Las Vegas, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elko, NV | Las Vegas, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,331 | $139,470▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.18 | $67.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,857▲ | $76,489 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,489▲ | $103,042 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,697 | $180,571▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,383 | $181,972▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 310▲ |
Verdict
Las Vegas, NV offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elko.
The salary gap between Elko and Las Vegas is $10,139 (7.84%). Las Vegas's median is -0.81% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elko spans $94,526,Las Vegas spans $105,483. Las Vegas 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, Las Vegas ($139,171 effective) pays 5.78% more than Elko ($131,568 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elko if…
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Las Vegas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,470/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,972)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,171)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Elko grew 1.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.3% growth in Las Vegas over the same period.
Elko, NV
$124,169 (2024) → $125,613 (2025)
Las Vegas, NV
$113,540 (2019) → $135,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Vegas, NV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Elko or Las Vegas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elko and Las Vegas?
Should I relocate from Elko to Las Vegas as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Elko vs Las Vegas?
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