Broomfield vs Fort Collins: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Broomfield, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Broomfield, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $145,390 | $168,072▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $69.90 | $80.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,665 | $107,295▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $119,208 | $135,176▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $177,940 | $246,908▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $217,202 | $329,832▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Broomfield.
The salary gap between Broomfield and Fort Collins is $22,682 (15.60%). Fort Collins's median is +19.53% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Broomfield spans $132,537,Fort Collins spans $222,537. Fort Collins 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, Fort Collins ($166,197 effective) pays 20.03% more than Broomfield ($138,467 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Broomfield if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($168,072/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($329,832)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $166,197)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Broomfield grew -2.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 95.2% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Broomfield, CO
$144,756 (2024) → $141,210 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$83,620 (2019) → $163,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Broomfield, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Broomfield or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Broomfield and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Broomfield to Fort Collins as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Broomfield vs Fort Collins?
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