Green Bay vs Sun Prairie: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Green Bay, WI and Sun Prairie, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Green Bay, WI | Sun Prairie, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $149,127▲ | $143,827 |
| Hourly Rate | $71.70▲ | $69.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,324 | $83,419▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $100,468 | $120,970▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $183,166▲ | $174,672 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $226,378▲ | $210,386 |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Green Bay, WI offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sun Prairie.
The salary gap between Green Bay and Sun Prairie is $5,300 (3.68%). Green Bay's median is +6.06% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Green Bay spans $174,054,Sun Prairie spans $126,967. Green Bay has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Green Bay ($160,203 effective) pays 4.03% more than Sun Prairie ($153,990 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Green Bay if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($149,127/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($226,378)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,203)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Sun Prairie if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Green Bay grew 103.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.4% growth in Sun Prairie over the same period.
Green Bay, WI
$71,220 (2019) → $144,840 (2025)
Sun Prairie, WI
$117,980 (2024) → $139,692 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Green Bay, WI
Sun Prairie, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Green Bay or Sun Prairie?
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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