Miami vs Tampa: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Miami, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Miami, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,246 | $142,219▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.14 | $68.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,139 | $86,136▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,264 | $127,588▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $176,401▲ | $169,081 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $200,463 | $213,076▲ |
| Total Employed | 820▲ | 350 |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Miami.
The salary gap between Miami and Tampa is $12,973 (10.04%). Tampa's median is +1.14% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Miami spans $140,324,Tampa spans $126,940. Miami 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, Tampa ($140,964 effective) pays 24.51% more than Miami ($113,220 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Miami if…
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,219/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($213,076)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,964)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Miami grew 77.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 52.2% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Miami, FL
$70,730 (2019) → $125,530 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$90,770 (2019) → $138,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Miami or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Miami and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Miami to Tampa as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Miami vs Tampa?
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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