Killeen vs San Antonio: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Killeen, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Killeen, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $165,210▲ | $115,089 |
| Hourly Rate | $79.42▲ | $55.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,324▲ | $46,528 |
| 25th Percentile | $118,569▲ | $47,918 |
| 75th Percentile | $246,085▲ | $154,430 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $305,143▲ | $162,697 |
| Total Employed | 30 | 730▲ |
Verdict
Killeen, TX offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.
The salary gap between Killeen and San Antonio is $50,121 (43.55%). Killeen's median is +17.49% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Killeen spans $236,819,San Antonio spans $116,169. Killeen 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, Killeen ($181,286 effective) pays 49.20% more than San Antonio ($121,510 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Killeen if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($165,210/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($305,143)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $181,286)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Larger job market (730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Killeen grew 30.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -5.0% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
Killeen, TX
$122,670 (2019) → $160,460 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$117,610 (2019) → $111,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Killeen, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Killeen or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between Killeen and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from Killeen to San Antonio as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Killeen vs San Antonio?
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