Philadelphia vs State College: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Philadelphia, PA and State College, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | State College, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $158,538▲ | $131,789 |
| Hourly Rate | $76.22▲ | $63.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,291▲ | $76,735 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,620▲ | $107,852 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,917▲ | $159,791 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,441▲ | $193,002 |
| Total Employed | 890▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to State College.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and State College is $26,749 (20.30%). Philadelphia's median is +12.75% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $107,150,State College spans $116,267. State College 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, Philadelphia ($154,590 effective) pays 14.25% more than State College ($135,307 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($158,538/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($201,441)
- ✓Larger job market (890 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,590)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose State College if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Philadelphia grew 14.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.8% growth in State College over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$134,640 (2019) → $153,980 (2025)
State College, PA
$106,840 (2019) → $128,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
State College, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Philadelphia or State College?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and State College?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to State College as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Philadelphia vs State College?
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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