Fayetteville vs Springdale: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Springdale, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Springdale, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,794 | $137,918▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.29 | $66.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,279 | $79,993▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $100,170 | $108,276▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,529 | $166,902▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $226,162▲ | $203,414 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Fayetteville and Springdale are closely matched on overall optometrist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Springdale is $2,124 (1.56%). Springdale's median is -1.92% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $162,883,Springdale spans $123,421. Fayetteville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springdale ($158,709 effective) pays 6.77% more than Fayetteville ($148,648 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($226,162)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Springdale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,918/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $158,709)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Fayetteville grew 46.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.3% growth in Springdale over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$90,180 (2019) → $131,890 (2025)
Springdale, AR
$100,483 (2024) → $133,953 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Springdale, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Fayetteville or Springdale?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Springdale?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Springdale as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Fayetteville vs Springdale?
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