Mount Vernon vs Tacoma: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Mount Vernon, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mount Vernon, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $146,903 | $169,895▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $70.63 | $81.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,204 | $98,539▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $123,758 | $133,683▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $178,380 | $214,437▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $215,570 | $263,338▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 56▲ |
Verdict
Tacoma, WA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mount Vernon.
The salary gap between Mount Vernon and Tacoma is $22,992 (15.65%). Tacoma's median is +20.83% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mount Vernon spans $130,366,Tacoma spans $164,799. Tacoma 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, Tacoma ($158,189 effective) pays 15.65% more than Mount Vernon ($136,781 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mount Vernon if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($169,895/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($263,338)
- ✓Larger job market (56 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $158,189)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Mount Vernon grew -7.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.5% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Mount Vernon, WA
$154,621 (2024) → $142,680 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$160,990 (2024) → $165,011 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mount Vernon, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Mount Vernon or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mount Vernon and Tacoma?
Should I relocate from Mount Vernon to Tacoma as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Mount Vernon vs Tacoma?
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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