Gainesville vs Tampa: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Gainesville, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gainesville, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $165,455▲ | $142,219 |
| Hourly Rate | $79.55▲ | $68.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,964▲ | $86,136 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,001▲ | $127,588 |
| 75th Percentile | $197,934▲ | $169,081 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $241,699▲ | $213,076 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 350▲ |
Verdict
Gainesville, FL offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Gainesville and Tampa is $23,236 (16.34%). Gainesville's median is +17.67% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gainesville spans $145,735,Tampa spans $126,940. Gainesville 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, Gainesville ($164,142 effective) pays 16.44% more than Tampa ($140,964 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gainesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($165,455/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($241,699)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $164,142)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Gainesville grew 11.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 52.2% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Gainesville, FL
$144,610 (2020) → $160,698 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$90,770 (2019) → $138,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gainesville, FL
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