New York vs Saratoga Springs: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between New York, NY and Saratoga Springs, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New York, NY | Saratoga Springs, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $165,796▲ | $159,691 |
| Hourly Rate | $79.71▲ | $76.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,830▲ | $94,921 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,848▲ | $132,118 |
| 75th Percentile | $184,319 | $185,574▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $209,060 | $236,144▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,580▲ | 7 |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Saratoga Springs.
The salary gap between New York and Saratoga Springs is $6,105 (3.82%). New York's median is +17.91% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New York spans $101,230,Saratoga Springs spans $141,223. Saratoga Springs 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, New York ($147,292 effective) pays 6.90% more than Saratoga Springs ($137,783 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($165,796/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,292)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Saratoga Springs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($236,144)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in New York grew 29.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.1% growth in Saratoga Springs over the same period.
New York, NY
$124,570 (2019) → $161,030 (2025)
Saratoga Springs, NY
$167,022 (2024) → $155,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New York, NY
Saratoga Springs, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: New York or Saratoga Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between New York and Saratoga Springs?
Should I relocate from New York to Saratoga Springs as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in New York vs Saratoga Springs?
Related Comparisons
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