Provo vs Salt Lake City: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Provo, UT and Salt Lake City, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Provo, UT | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,803 | $141,313▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.70 | $67.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,355 | $51,521▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,308 | $83,037▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $155,099 | $166,610▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $177,585▲ | $177,297 |
| Total Employed | 60 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Provo.
The salary gap between Provo and Salt Lake City is $52,510 (59.13%). Salt Lake City's median is +0.50% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Provo spans $141,230,Salt Lake City spans $125,776. Provo 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, Salt Lake City ($140,097 effective) pays 54.97% more than Provo ($90,401 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Provo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,585)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,313/year)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,097)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Provo grew 24.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 80.0% growth in Salt Lake City over the same period.
Provo, UT
$69,340 (2019) → $86,250 (2025)
Salt Lake City, UT
$76,250 (2019) → $137,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Provo or Salt Lake City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Provo and Salt Lake City?
Should I relocate from Provo to Salt Lake City as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Provo vs Salt Lake City?
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