Lafayette vs New Orleans: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Lafayette, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,331 | $140,232▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.66 | $67.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,592▲ | $52,654 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,328 | $113,905▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $156,509 | $171,531▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $191,389 | $204,901▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 50▲ |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Lafayette and New Orleans is $9,901 (7.60%). New Orleans's median is -0.27% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $115,797,New Orleans spans $152,247. New Orleans 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, New Orleans ($151,443 effective) pays 4.93% more than Lafayette ($144,331 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,232/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($204,901)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,443)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Lafayette grew 0.5% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 77.9% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$125,990 (2022) → $126,584 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$76,540 (2019) → $136,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Lafayette or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to New Orleans as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Lafayette vs New Orleans?
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