Pittsburgh vs State College: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and State College, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | State College, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,745▲ | $131,789 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.30▲ | $63.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,565▲ | $76,735 |
| 25th Percentile | $121,081▲ | $107,852 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,540▲ | $159,791 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,524 | $193,002▲ |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to State College.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and State College is $1,956 (1.48%). Pittsburgh's median is -4.88% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $71,959,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, Pittsburgh ($141,273 effective) pays 4.41% 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 Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,745/year)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,273)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose State College if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($193,002)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Pittsburgh grew 13.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.8% growth in State College over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$114,280 (2019) → $129,900 (2025)
State College, PA
$106,840 (2019) → $128,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
State College, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Pittsburgh or State College?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and State College?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to State College as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Pittsburgh 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