Optometrist Salary

Augusta vs Woodstock: Optometrist Salary (2026)

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

Augusta, GA
$134,250
$64.55/hr
Woodstock, GA
$133,009
$63.95/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAugusta, GAWoodstock, GA
Median Salary$134,250$133,009
Hourly Rate$64.55$63.95
Entry Level (P10)$57,864$77,145
25th Percentile$101,529$112,104
75th Percentile$167,444$156,768
Top Earner (P90)$175,022$186,739
Total Employed705
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Augusta ($134,250) and Woodstock ($133,009) optometrist salaries.AugustaWoodstockMedian Salary$134,250$133,009Entry Level (P10)$57,864$77,145Top Earner (P90)$175,022$186,739US Median $140,612

Verdict

Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Woodstock.

The salary gap between Augusta and Woodstock is $1,241 (0.93%). Augusta's median is -4.52% compared to the US national median of $140,612.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $117,158,Woodstock spans $109,594. Augusta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Augusta
P10 (Entry)$57,864
P25$101,529
Median$134,250
P75$167,444
P90 (Top)$175,022
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, Augusta ($146,078 effective) pays 2.25% more than Woodstock ($142,867 effective).

Augusta
Nominal: $134,250
CoL Index: 91.903
Adjusted: $146,078
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 Augusta if…

  • Higher median salary ($134,250/year)
  • Larger job market (70 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,078)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Woodstock if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($186,739)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Augusta grew 11.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.7% growth in Woodstock over the same period.

Augusta, GA

+11.2%

$117,300 (2019) → $130,390 (2025)

Woodstock, GA

+7.7%

$119,911 (2024) → $129,185 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Augusta or Woodstock?

Augusta has a higher median optometrist salary at $134,250/year, compared to Woodstock at $133,009/year — a difference of $1,241 (0.93%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Woodstock?

Augusta optometrists earn $64.55/hr while Woodstock hygienists earn $63.95/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Augusta to Woodstock as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Augusta and Woodstock. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Augusta = $146,078, Woodstock = $142,867), job availability (70 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $57,864 in Augusta 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