Kirkwood vs St. Louis: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Kirkwood, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kirkwood, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,952 | $139,089▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.08 | $66.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,473 | $73,616▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $100,637 | $113,956▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $149,930 | $165,385▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,411 | $199,156▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 340▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kirkwood.
The salary gap between Kirkwood and St. Louis is $14,137 (11.31%). St. Louis's median is -1.08% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kirkwood spans $107,938,St. Louis spans $125,540. St. Louis 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, St. Louis ($146,274 effective) pays 4.89% more than Kirkwood ($139,455 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kirkwood if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,089/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($199,156)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,274)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Kirkwood grew 6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.1% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Kirkwood, MO
$113,744 (2024) → $121,360 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$110,600 (2019) → $135,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kirkwood, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Kirkwood or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kirkwood and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Kirkwood to St. Louis as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Kirkwood vs St. Louis?
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