Franklin vs South Bend: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Franklin, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Franklin, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,471 | $142,455▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.62 | $68.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,154 | $80,412▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,425▲ | $106,419 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,513 | $168,587▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,332▲ | $182,249 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 30▲ |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Franklin.
The salary gap between Franklin and South Bend is $5,984 (4.38%). South Bend's median is +1.31% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Franklin spans $115,178,South Bend spans $101,837. Franklin 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, South Bend ($153,412 effective) pays 2.63% more than Franklin ($149,475 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Franklin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($194,332)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,455/year)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,412)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Franklin grew 13.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.8% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Franklin, IN
$116,681 (2024) → $132,548 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$127,180 (2021) → $138,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Franklin, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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