Bay City vs Lansing: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Bay City, MI and Lansing, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bay City, MI | Lansing, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,724▲ | $134,579 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.73▲ | $64.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,300▲ | $76,335 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,277 | $130,872▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $161,262 | $161,657▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $192,823 | $214,332▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Bay City and Lansing are closely matched on overall optometrist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bay City and Lansing is $2,145 (1.59%). Bay City's median is -2.77% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bay City spans $113,523,Lansing spans $137,997. Lansing 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, Bay City ($146,700 effective) pays 3.55% more than Lansing ($141,676 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bay City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,724/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,700)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($214,332)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Bay City grew 10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.9% growth in Lansing over the same period.
Bay City, MI
$120,275 (2024) → $132,793 (2025)
Lansing, MI
$112,800 (2019) → $130,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bay City, MI
Lansing, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Bay City or Lansing?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bay City and Lansing?
Should I relocate from Bay City to Lansing as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Bay City vs Lansing?
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