Mesa vs Peoria: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Mesa, AZ and Peoria, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Peoria, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $118,815 | $141,549▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $57.12 | $68.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,912 | $82,098▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $95,137 | $109,399▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $144,530 | $169,446▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,572 | $219,402▲ |
| Total Employed | 98▲ | 33 |
Verdict
Peoria, AZ offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesa.
The salary gap between Mesa and Peoria is $22,734 (19.13%). Peoria's median is +0.67% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mesa spans $109,660,Peoria spans $137,304. Peoria 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, Peoria ($143,705 effective) pays 19.13% more than Mesa ($120,624 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,549/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,402)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,705)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Mesa grew -19.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.2% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Mesa, AZ
$142,918 (2024) → $115,399 (2025)
Peoria, AZ
$135,900 (2024) → $137,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Mesa or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mesa and Peoria?
Should I relocate from Mesa to Peoria 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