Optometrist Salary

Atlanta vs Woodstock: Optometrist Salary (2026)

Compare optometrist salaries between Atlanta, GA and Woodstock, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlanta, GA
$132,643
$63.77/hr
Woodstock, GA
$133,009
$63.95/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GAWoodstock, GA
Median Salary$132,643$133,009
Hourly Rate$63.77$63.95
Entry Level (P10)$52,540$77,145
25th Percentile$100,520$112,104
75th Percentile$166,095$156,768
Top Earner (P90)$195,222$186,739
Total Employed4505
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($132,643) and Woodstock ($133,009) optometrist salaries.AtlantaWoodstockMedian Salary$132,643$133,009Entry Level (P10)$52,540$77,145Top Earner (P90)$195,222$186,739US Median $140,612

Verdict

Atlanta and Woodstock are closely matched on overall optometrist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Atlanta and Woodstock is $366 (0.28%). Woodstock's median is -5.41% compared to the US national median of $140,612.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $142,682,Woodstock spans $109,594. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$52,540
P25$100,520
Median$132,643
P75$166,095
P90 (Top)$195,222
Woodstock
P10 (Entry)$77,145
P25$112,104
Median$133,009
P75$156,768
P90 (Top)$186,739

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Woodstock ($142,867 effective) pays 7.77% more than Atlanta ($132,566 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $132,643
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $132,566
Woodstock
Nominal: $133,009
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $142,867

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($195,222)
  • Larger job market (450 employed)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Woodstock if…

  • Higher median salary ($133,009/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $142,867)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Atlanta grew 23.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.7% growth in Woodstock over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+23.7%

$104,120 (2019) → $128,830 (2025)

Woodstock, GA

+7.7%

$119,911 (2024) → $129,185 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Atlanta or Woodstock?

Woodstock has a higher median optometrist salary at $133,009/year, compared to Atlanta at $132,643/year — a difference of $366 (0.28%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Woodstock?

Atlanta optometrists earn $63.77/hr while Woodstock hygienists earn $63.95/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Woodstock as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Woodstock. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $132,566, Woodstock = $142,867), job availability (450 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level optometrists earn in Atlanta vs Woodstock?

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $52,540 in Atlanta and $77,145 in Woodstock. The Woodstock area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Rajiv Kumar, ODData verified by Sofia Martinez, OD

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