Oklahoma City vs Stillwater: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Oklahoma City, OK and Stillwater, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Stillwater, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,974 | $121,601▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.91 | $58.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,788▲ | $70,529 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,156 | $97,940▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,755▲ | $149,631 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,332 | $183,473▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Stillwater, OK offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oklahoma City.
The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Stillwater is $13,627 (12.62%). Stillwater's median is -13.52% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oklahoma City spans $97,544,Stillwater spans $112,944. Stillwater 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, Stillwater ($136,784 effective) pays 14.53% more than Oklahoma City ($119,430 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Stillwater if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($121,601/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($183,473)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,784)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Oklahoma City grew 61.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in Stillwater over the same period.
Oklahoma City, OK
$64,770 (2019) → $104,870 (2025)
Stillwater, OK
$103,776 (2024) → $118,105 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oklahoma City, OK
Stillwater, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Oklahoma City or Stillwater?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oklahoma City and Stillwater?
Should I relocate from Oklahoma City to Stillwater as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Oklahoma City vs Stillwater?
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