Kansas City vs Columbia: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Kansas City, MO and Columbia, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | Columbia, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $142,682▲ | $128,017 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.60▲ | $61.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,412▲ | $74,250 |
| 25th Percentile | $123,552▲ | $98,052 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,844 | $160,099▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,240 | $198,042▲ |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 23 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Columbia is $14,665 (11.46%). Kansas City's median is +1.47% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $84,828,Columbia spans $123,792. Columbia 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, Kansas City ($154,179 effective) pays 7.91% more than Columbia ($142,876 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,682/year)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,179)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($198,042)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Kansas City grew 22.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -17.5% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$113,270 (2019) → $138,580 (2025)
Columbia, MO
$150,670 (2021) → $124,337 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
Columbia, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Kansas City or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Columbia?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Columbia as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Kansas City vs Columbia?
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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