Lafayette vs Zionsville: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Lafayette, IN and Zionsville, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, IN | Zionsville, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,821▲ | $133,369 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.74▲ | $64.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,490 | $77,354▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,396▲ | $107,377 |
| 75th Percentile | $160,865▲ | $160,093 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,073▲ | $192,171 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Lafayette, IN offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Zionsville.
The salary gap between Lafayette and Zionsville is $5,452 (4.09%). Lafayette's median is -1.27% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $123,583,Zionsville spans $114,817. Lafayette 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, Lafayette ($148,583 effective) pays 1.71% more than Zionsville ($146,078 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,821/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($199,073)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,583)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Zionsville if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Lafayette grew 36.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 13.6% growth in Zionsville over the same period.
Lafayette, IN
$98,490 (2020) → $134,830 (2025)
Zionsville, IN
$114,029 (2024) → $129,535 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, IN
Zionsville, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Lafayette or Zionsville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and Zionsville?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to Zionsville as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Lafayette vs Zionsville?
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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