Salt Lake City vs Washington: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Salt Lake City, UT and Washington, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Washington, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,313▲ | $134,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.94▲ | $64.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,521 | $77,720▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,037 | $112,666▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,610▲ | $162,498 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $177,297 | $196,283▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Washington.
The salary gap between Salt Lake City and Washington is $7,313 (5.46%). 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 Salt Lake City spans $125,776,Washington spans $118,563. Salt Lake City 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 2.56% more than Washington ($136,595 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Washington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($196,283)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Salt Lake City grew 80.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.7% growth in Washington over the same period.
Salt Lake City, UT
$76,250 (2019) → $137,250 (2025)
Washington, UT
$121,981 (2024) → $130,148 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salt Lake City, UT
Washington, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Salt Lake City or Washington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salt Lake City and Washington?
Should I relocate from Salt Lake City to Washington as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Salt Lake City vs Washington?
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