Madison vs Racine: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Madison, WI and Racine, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Racine, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,015 | $146,042▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.47 | $70.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,225▲ | $85,642 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,116▲ | $120,078 |
| 75th Percentile | $169,174 | $179,186▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $202,502 | $218,737▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Racine, WI offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Madison and Racine is $14,027 (10.63%). Racine's median is +3.86% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $97,277,Racine spans $133,095. Racine 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, Racine ($156,362 effective) pays 15.23% more than Madison ($135,696 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Racine if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($146,042/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($218,737)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,362)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Madison grew 35.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.4% growth in Racine over the same period.
Madison, WI
$94,800 (2019) → $128,220 (2025)
Racine, WI
$119,797 (2024) → $141,843 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Racine, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Madison or Racine?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Racine?
Should I relocate from Madison to Racine as a optometrist?
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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