Olathe vs Overland Park: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Olathe, KS and Overland Park, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olathe, KS | Overland Park, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,253 | $129,906▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.66 | $62.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,387 | $75,345▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $103,938▲ | $99,536 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,306 | $157,296▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $195,454 | $201,354▲ |
| Total Employed | 33▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Overland Park, KS offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olathe.
The salary gap between Olathe and Overland Park is $1,653 (1.29%). Overland Park's median is -7.61% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olathe spans $121,067,Overland Park spans $126,009. Overland Park 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, Overland Park ($142,911 effective) pays 1.29% more than Olathe ($141,092 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Overland Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,906/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($201,354)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $142,911)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Olathe grew 6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.7% growth in Overland Park over the same period.
Olathe, KS
$116,749 (2024) → $124,566 (2025)
Overland Park, KS
$118,254 (2024) → $126,171 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olathe, KS
Overland Park, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Olathe or Overland Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Olathe and Overland Park?
Should I relocate from Olathe to Overland Park as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Olathe vs Overland Park?
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