Omaha vs Scottsbluff: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Omaha, NE and Scottsbluff, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Omaha, NE | Scottsbluff, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,872▲ | $123,472 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.92▲ | $59.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,928 | $71,614▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,136 | $105,640▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,188▲ | $143,006 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $213,127▲ | $168,173 |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Omaha, NE offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Scottsbluff.
The salary gap between Omaha and Scottsbluff is $7,400 (5.99%). Omaha's median is -6.93% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Omaha spans $149,199,Scottsbluff spans $96,559. Omaha has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Omaha ($142,390 effective) pays 5.52% more than Scottsbluff ($134,942 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Omaha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,872/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($213,127)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $142,390)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Scottsbluff if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Omaha grew 48.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.7% growth in Scottsbluff over the same period.
Omaha, NE
$85,850 (2019) → $127,110 (2025)
Scottsbluff, NE
$112,396 (2024) → $119,922 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Scottsbluff, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Omaha or Scottsbluff?
What is the hourly rate difference between Omaha and Scottsbluff?
Should I relocate from Omaha to Scottsbluff as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Omaha vs Scottsbluff?
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