Optometrist Salary

Margate vs Miami: Optometrist Salary (2026)

Compare optometrist salaries between Margate, FL and Miami, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Margate, FL
$157,156
$75.55/hr
Miami, FL
$129,246
$62.14/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMargate, FLMiami, FL
Median Salary$157,156$129,246
Hourly Rate$75.55$62.14
Entry Level (P10)$91,150$60,139
25th Percentile$126,305$107,264
75th Percentile$189,670$176,401
Top Earner (P90)$230,933$200,463
Total Employed13820
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Margate ($157,156) and Miami ($129,246) optometrist salaries.MargateMiamiMedian Salary$157,156$129,246Entry Level (P10)$91,150$60,139Top Earner (P90)$230,933$200,463US Median $140,612

Verdict

Margate, FL offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Miami.

The salary gap between Margate and Miami is $27,910 (21.59%). Margate's median is +11.77% compared to the US national median of $140,612.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Margate spans $139,783,Miami spans $140,324. Miami has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.

Margate
P10 (Entry)$91,150
P25$126,305
Median$157,156
P75$189,670
P90 (Top)$230,933
Miami
P10 (Entry)$60,139
P25$107,264
Median$129,246
P75$176,401
P90 (Top)$200,463

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Margate ($155,909 effective) pays 37.70% more than Miami ($113,220 effective).

Margate
Nominal: $157,156
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $155,909
Miami
Nominal: $129,246
CoL Index: 114.155
Adjusted: $113,220

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Margate if…

  • Higher median salary ($157,156/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($230,933)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,909)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Miami if…

  • Larger job market (820 employed)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Margate grew 19.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 77.5% growth in Miami over the same period.

Margate, FL

+19.9%

$127,285 (2024) → $152,638 (2025)

Miami, FL

+77.5%

$70,730 (2019) → $125,530 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Margate or Miami?

Margate has a higher median optometrist salary at $157,156/year, compared to Miami at $129,246/year — a difference of $27,910 (21.59%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Margate and Miami?

Margate optometrists earn $75.55/hr while Miami hygienists earn $62.14/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Margate to Miami as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Margate and Miami. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Margate = $155,909, Miami = $113,220), job availability (13 vs 820 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level optometrists earn in Margate vs Miami?

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $91,150 in Margate and $60,139 in Miami. The Margate area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Rajiv Kumar, ODData verified by Sofia Martinez, OD

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