McAllen vs San Antonio: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between McAllen, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | McAllen, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,311▲ | $115,089 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.58▲ | $55.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,237 | $46,528▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $103,681▲ | $47,918 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,470 | $154,430▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,253▲ | $162,697 |
| Total Employed | 50 | 730▲ |
Verdict
McAllen, TX offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.
The salary gap between McAllen and San Antonio is $19,222 (16.70%). McAllen's median is -4.48% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in McAllen spans $139,016,San Antonio spans $116,169. McAllen 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, McAllen ($156,366 effective) pays 28.69% more than San Antonio ($121,510 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose McAllen if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,311/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,253)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,366)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Larger job market (730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in McAllen grew 26.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -5.0% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
McAllen, TX
$103,550 (2019) → $130,450 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$117,610 (2019) → $111,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
McAllen, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: McAllen or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between McAllen and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from McAllen to San Antonio as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in McAllen vs San Antonio?
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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