Houston vs Little Elm: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Houston, TX and Little Elm, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Little Elm, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,329 | $130,334▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.69 | $62.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,862▲ | $75,593 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,790 | $109,405▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $151,300 | $152,986▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,805 | $182,599▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,250▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Little Elm, TX offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Houston and Little Elm is $2,005 (1.56%). Little Elm's median is -7.31% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $67,943,Little Elm spans $107,006. Little Elm has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Little Elm ($135,765 effective) pays 4.34% more than Houston ($130,113 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Elm if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,334/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($182,599)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,765)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Houston grew 11.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.5% growth in Little Elm over the same period.
Houston, TX
$112,230 (2019) → $124,640 (2025)
Little Elm, TX
$128,552 (2024) → $126,587 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Little Elm, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Houston or Little Elm?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Little Elm?
Should I relocate from Houston to Little Elm as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Houston vs Little Elm?
Related Comparisons
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