Optometrist Salary

Flint vs West Bloomfield: Optometrist Salary (2026)

Compare optometrist salaries between Flint, MI and West Bloomfield, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Flint, MI
$137,997
$66.35/hr
West Bloomfield, MI
$139,194
$66.92/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFlint, MIWest Bloomfield, MI
Median Salary$137,997$139,194
Hourly Rate$66.35$66.92
Entry Level (P10)$99,634$80,732
25th Percentile$128,010$110,146
75th Percentile$164,365$166,322
Top Earner (P90)$231,753$201,220
Total Employed7015
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Flint ($137,997) and West Bloomfield ($139,194) optometrist salaries.FlintWest BloomfieldMedian Salary$137,997$139,194Entry Level (P10)$99,634$80,732Top Earner (P90)$231,753$201,220US Median $140,612

Verdict

Flint and West Bloomfield are closely matched on overall optometrist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Flint and West Bloomfield is $1,197 (0.87%). West Bloomfield's median is -1.01% compared to the US national median of $140,612.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Flint spans $132,119,West Bloomfield spans $120,488. Flint has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Flint
P10 (Entry)$99,634
P25$128,010
Median$137,997
P75$164,365
P90 (Top)$231,753
West Bloomfield
P10 (Entry)$80,732
P25$110,146
Median$139,194
P75$166,322
P90 (Top)$201,220

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, West Bloomfield ($149,350 effective) pays 0.69% more than Flint ($148,330 effective).

Flint
Nominal: $137,997
CoL Index: 93.034
Adjusted: $148,330
West Bloomfield
Nominal: $139,194
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $149,350

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Flint if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($231,753)
  • Larger job market (70 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose West Bloomfield if…

  • Higher median salary ($139,194/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,350)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Flint grew 23.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.4% growth in West Bloomfield over the same period.

Flint, MI

+23.8%

$108,230 (2019) → $134,030 (2025)

West Bloomfield, MI

+10.4%

$122,448 (2024) → $135,192 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Flint or West Bloomfield?

West Bloomfield has a higher median optometrist salary at $139,194/year, compared to Flint at $137,997/year — a difference of $1,197 (0.87%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Flint and West Bloomfield?

Flint optometrists earn $66.35/hr while West Bloomfield hygienists earn $66.92/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Flint to West Bloomfield as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Flint and West Bloomfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Flint = $148,330, West Bloomfield = $149,350), job availability (70 vs 15 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level optometrists earn in Flint vs West Bloomfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $99,634 in Flint and $80,732 in West Bloomfield. The Flint 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