Fort Collins vs Loveland: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Loveland, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Loveland, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $168,072▲ | $164,045 |
| Hourly Rate | $80.80▲ | $78.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,295▲ | $95,146 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,176▲ | $130,834 |
| 75th Percentile | $246,908▲ | $197,228 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $329,832▲ | $238,957 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Loveland.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Loveland is $4,027 (2.45%). 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,Loveland spans $143,811. 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 6.38% more than Loveland ($156,233 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 Loveland 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 12.2% growth in Loveland over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$83,620 (2019) → $163,240 (2025)
Loveland, CO
$142,043 (2024) → $159,329 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Loveland, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Fort Collins or Loveland?
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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