Houston vs San Marcos: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Houston, TX and San Marcos, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | San Marcos, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,329 | $137,454▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.69 | $66.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,862▲ | $79,723 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,790 | $109,178▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $151,300 | $164,598▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,805 | $199,827▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,250▲ | 13 |
Verdict
San Marcos, TX offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Houston and San Marcos is $9,125 (7.11%). San Marcos's median is -2.25% 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,San Marcos spans $120,104. San Marcos 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, San Marcos ($143,181 effective) pays 10.04% 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 San Marcos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,454/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($199,827)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,181)
- ✓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 -0.5% growth in San Marcos over the same period.
Houston, TX
$112,230 (2019) → $124,640 (2025)
San Marcos, TX
$134,214 (2024) → $133,502 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
San Marcos, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Houston or San Marcos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and San Marcos?
Should I relocate from Houston to San Marcos as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Houston vs San Marcos?
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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