Draper vs Salt Lake City: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Draper, UT and Salt Lake City, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Draper, UT | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,582 | $141,313▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.14 | $67.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,798▲ | $51,521 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,665▲ | $83,037 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,149 | $166,610▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $200,674▲ | $177,297 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Draper.
The salary gap between Draper and Salt Lake City is $3,731 (2.71%). Salt Lake City's median is +0.50% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Draper spans $120,876,Salt Lake City spans $125,776. Salt Lake City 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, Draper ($140,247 effective) pays 0.11% more than Salt Lake City ($140,097 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Draper if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($200,674)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,247)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,313/year)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Draper grew 6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 80.0% growth in Salt Lake City over the same period.
Draper, UT
$125,242 (2024) → $133,627 (2025)
Salt Lake City, UT
$76,250 (2019) → $137,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Draper, UT
Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Draper or Salt Lake City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Draper and Salt Lake City?
Should I relocate from Draper to Salt Lake City as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Draper vs Salt Lake City?
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