San Antonio vs Wichita Falls: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between San Antonio, TX and Wichita Falls, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Antonio, TX | Wichita Falls, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,089 | $137,728▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.33 | $66.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,528 | $79,882▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,918 | $112,192▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $154,430 | $165,432▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,697 | $201,599▲ |
| Total Employed | 730▲ | 20 |
Verdict
Wichita Falls, TX offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.
The salary gap between San Antonio and Wichita Falls is $22,639 (19.67%). Wichita Falls's median is -2.05% 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,Wichita Falls spans $121,717. Wichita Falls 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, Wichita Falls ($143,467 effective) pays 18.07% 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 Wichita Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,728/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($201,599)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,467)
- ✓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 -1.5% growth in Wichita Falls over the same period.
San Antonio, TX
$117,610 (2019) → $111,780 (2025)
Wichita Falls, TX
$135,844 (2024) → $133,768 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Antonio, TX
Wichita Falls, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: San Antonio or Wichita Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Antonio and Wichita Falls?
Should I relocate from San Antonio to Wichita Falls as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in San Antonio vs Wichita Falls?
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