Optometrist Salary

Henderson vs Mesquite: Optometrist Salary (2026)

Compare optometrist salaries between Henderson, NV and Mesquite, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Henderson, NV
$138,170
$66.43/hr
Mesquite, NV
$129,986
$62.50/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHenderson, NVMesquite, NV
Median Salary$138,170$129,986
Hourly Rate$66.43$62.50
Entry Level (P10)$80,139$75,391
25th Percentile$109,911$110,853
75th Percentile$172,492$150,212
Top Earner (P90)$214,164$184,259
Total Employed796
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Henderson ($138,170) and Mesquite ($129,986) optometrist salaries.HendersonMesquiteMedian Salary$138,170$129,986Entry Level (P10)$80,139$75,391Top Earner (P90)$214,164$184,259US Median $140,612

Verdict

Henderson, NV offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesquite.

The salary gap between Henderson and Mesquite is $8,184 (6.30%). Henderson's median is -1.74% compared to the US national median of $140,612.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Henderson spans $134,025,Mesquite spans $108,868. Henderson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Henderson
P10 (Entry)$80,139
P25$109,911
Median$138,170
P75$172,492
P90 (Top)$214,164
Mesquite
P10 (Entry)$75,391
P25$110,853
Median$129,986
P75$150,212
P90 (Top)$184,259

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Henderson ($140,560 effective) pays 6.30% more than Mesquite ($132,234 effective).

Henderson
Nominal: $138,170
CoL Index: 98.3
Adjusted: $140,560
Mesquite
Nominal: $129,986
CoL Index: 98.3
Adjusted: $132,234

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Henderson if…

  • Higher median salary ($138,170/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($214,164)
  • Larger job market (79 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,560)
  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Choose Mesquite if…

  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Henderson grew -2.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.2% growth in Mesquite over the same period.

Henderson, NV

+-2.8%

$138,042 (2024) → $134,198 (2025)

Mesquite, NV

+1.2%

$124,798 (2024) → $126,249 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Henderson or Mesquite?

Henderson has a higher median optometrist salary at $138,170/year, compared to Mesquite at $129,986/year — a difference of $8,184 (6.30%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Henderson and Mesquite?

Henderson optometrists earn $66.43/hr while Mesquite hygienists earn $62.50/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Henderson to Mesquite as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Henderson and Mesquite. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Henderson = $140,560, Mesquite = $132,234), job availability (79 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level optometrists earn in Henderson vs Mesquite?

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $80,139 in Henderson and $75,391 in Mesquite. The Henderson area offers higher starting salaries.
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