San Angelo vs San Antonio: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between San Angelo, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Angelo, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,461▲ | $115,089 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.65▲ | $55.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,987▲ | $46,528 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,598▲ | $47,918 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,524▲ | $154,430 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $204,278▲ | $162,697 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 730▲ |
Verdict
San Angelo, TX offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.
The salary gap between San Angelo and San Antonio is $19,372 (16.83%). San Angelo's median is -4.37% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Angelo spans $126,291,San Antonio spans $116,169. San Angelo 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, San Angelo ($140,064 effective) pays 15.27% more than San Antonio ($121,510 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Angelo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,461/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($204,278)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,064)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Larger job market (730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in San Angelo grew -1.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.0% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
San Angelo, TX
$132,622 (2024) → $130,595 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$117,610 (2019) → $111,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Angelo, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: San Angelo or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Angelo and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from San Angelo to San Antonio as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in San Angelo vs San Antonio?
Related Comparisons
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