San Antonio vs Austin: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between San Antonio, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Antonio, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,089 | $134,322▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.33 | $64.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,528 | $57,977▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,918 | $108,561▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $154,430 | $167,104▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,697 | $187,809▲ |
| Total Employed | 730▲ | 350 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.
The salary gap between San Antonio and Austin is $19,233 (16.71%). Austin's median is -4.47% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Antonio spans $116,169,Austin spans $129,832. Austin 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, Austin ($136,971 effective) pays 12.72% 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 Antonio if…
- ✓Larger job market (730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,322/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($187,809)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,971)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in San Antonio grew -5.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.5% growth in Austin over the same period.
San Antonio, TX
$117,610 (2019) → $111,780 (2025)
Austin, TX
$115,990 (2019) → $130,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Antonio, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: San Antonio or Austin?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Antonio and Austin?
Should I relocate from San Antonio to Austin as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in San Antonio vs Austin?
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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