Fort Collins vs Lakewood: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Lakewood, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Lakewood, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $168,072▲ | $147,754 |
| Hourly Rate | $80.80▲ | $71.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,295▲ | $85,697 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,176▲ | $119,278 |
| 75th Percentile | $246,908▲ | $181,830 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $329,832▲ | $224,378 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 27 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Lakewood is $20,318 (13.75%). Fort Collins's median is +19.53% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $222,537,Lakewood spans $138,681. Fort Collins 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, Fort Collins ($166,197 effective) pays 18.11% more than Lakewood ($140,718 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($168,072/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($329,832)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $166,197)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Fort Collins grew 95.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.4% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$83,620 (2019) → $163,240 (2025)
Lakewood, CO
$147,110 (2024) → $143,506 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Lakewood, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Fort Collins or Lakewood?
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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