Bowling Green vs Columbus: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Bowling Green, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowling Green, OH | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,443 | $137,318▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.60 | $66.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,137▲ | $69,344 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,210 | $121,225▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $161,086 | $170,903▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $192,681 | $218,255▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bowling Green.
The salary gap between Bowling Green and Columbus is $875 (0.64%). Columbus's median is -2.34% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bowling Green spans $113,544,Columbus spans $148,911. Columbus 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, Bowling Green ($150,433 effective) pays 4.59% more than Columbus ($143,835 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bowling Green if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,433)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,318/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($218,255)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Bowling Green grew 13.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.6% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Bowling Green, OH
$117,159 (2024) → $132,520 (2025)
Columbus, OH
$116,410 (2019) → $133,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bowling Green, OH
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Bowling Green or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bowling Green and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Bowling Green to Columbus as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Bowling Green vs Columbus?
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