St. Louis vs University City: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between St. Louis, MO and University City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | University City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,089▲ | $124,209 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.87▲ | $59.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,616▲ | $72,041 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,956▲ | $99,119 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,385▲ | $148,192 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,156▲ | $173,091 |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 6 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to University City.
The salary gap between St. Louis and University City is $14,880 (11.98%). 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,University City spans $101,050. 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 5.52% more than University City ($138,626 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 University City 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 University City over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$110,600 (2019) → $135,090 (2025)
University City, MO
$113,067 (2024) → $120,638 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
University City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: St. Louis or University City?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and University City?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to University City as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in St. Louis vs University City?
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