New York vs Syracuse: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between New York, NY and Syracuse, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New York, NY | Syracuse, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $165,796▲ | $158,342 |
| Hourly Rate | $79.71▲ | $76.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,830▲ | $103,918 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,848▲ | $114,100 |
| 75th Percentile | $184,319 | $196,067▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $209,060 | $360,422▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,580▲ | 100 |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Syracuse.
The salary gap between New York and Syracuse is $7,454 (4.71%). 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,Syracuse spans $256,504. Syracuse 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, Syracuse ($165,384 effective) pays 12.28% more than New York ($147,292 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)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Syracuse if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($360,422)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $165,384)
- ✓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 10.4% growth in Syracuse over the same period.
New York, NY
$124,570 (2019) → $161,030 (2025)
Syracuse, NY
$139,250 (2019) → $153,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New York, NY
Syracuse, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: New York or Syracuse?
What is the hourly rate difference between New York and Syracuse?
Should I relocate from New York to Syracuse as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in New York vs Syracuse?
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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