Optometrist Salary

Henderson vs Reno: Optometrist Salary (2026)

Compare optometrist salaries between Henderson, NV and Reno, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Henderson, NV
$138,170
$66.43/hr
Reno, NV
$145,410
$69.91/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHenderson, NVReno, NV
Median Salary$138,170$145,410
Hourly Rate$66.43$69.91
Entry Level (P10)$80,139$102,486
25th Percentile$109,911$139,820
75th Percentile$172,492$186,893
Top Earner (P90)$214,164$186,893
Total Employed7980
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Henderson ($138,170) and Reno ($145,410) optometrist salaries.HendersonRenoMedian Salary$138,170$145,410Entry Level (P10)$80,139$102,486Top Earner (P90)$214,164$186,893US Median $140,612

Verdict

Reno, NV offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Henderson.

The salary gap between Henderson and Reno is $7,240 (5.24%). Reno's median is +3.41% compared to the US national median of $140,612.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Henderson spans $134,025,Reno spans $84,407. Henderson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Henderson
P10 (Entry)$80,139
P25$109,911
Median$138,170
P75$172,492
P90 (Top)$214,164
Reno
P10 (Entry)$102,486
P25$139,820
Median$145,410
P75$186,893
P90 (Top)$186,893

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Reno ($143,950 effective) pays 2.41% more than Henderson ($140,560 effective).

Henderson
Nominal: $138,170
CoL Index: 98.3
Adjusted: $140,560
Reno
Nominal: $145,410
CoL Index: 101.014
Adjusted: $143,950

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Henderson if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($214,164)
  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Choose Reno if…

  • Higher median salary ($145,410/year)
  • Larger job market (80 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,950)
  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Henderson grew -2.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.3% growth in Reno over the same period.

Henderson, NV

+-2.8%

$138,042 (2024) → $134,198 (2025)

Reno, NV

+6.3%

$132,860 (2020) → $141,230 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Henderson or Reno?

Reno has a higher median optometrist salary at $145,410/year, compared to Henderson at $138,170/year — a difference of $7,240 (5.24%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Henderson and Reno?

Henderson optometrists earn $66.43/hr while Reno hygienists earn $69.91/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Henderson to Reno as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Henderson and Reno. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Henderson = $140,560, Reno = $143,950), job availability (79 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level optometrists earn in Henderson vs Reno?

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $80,139 in Henderson and $102,486 in Reno. The Reno area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Rajiv Kumar, ODData verified by Sofia Martinez, OD

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