St. Louis vs St. Peters: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between St. Louis, MO and St. Peters, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | St. Peters, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,089▲ | $127,637 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.87▲ | $61.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,616 | $74,029▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,956▲ | $101,381 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,385▲ | $155,637 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,156▲ | $185,556 |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 9 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Peters.
The salary gap between St. Louis and St. Peters is $11,452 (8.97%). St. Louis's median is -1.08% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $125,540,St. Peters spans $111,527. St. Louis 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, St. Louis ($146,274 effective) pays 2.68% more than St. Peters ($142,452 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,089/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($199,156)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,274)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Peters if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in St. Louis grew 22.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.7% growth in St. Peters over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$110,600 (2019) → $135,090 (2025)
St. Peters, MO
$116,189 (2024) → $123,968 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
St. Peters, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: St. Louis or St. Peters?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and St. Peters?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to St. Peters as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in St. Louis vs St. Peters?
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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