Kennewick vs Moses Lake: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Kennewick, WA and Moses Lake, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Moses Lake, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $153,935▲ | $145,684 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.01▲ | $70.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,957▲ | $87,421 |
| 25th Percentile | $123,336▲ | $121,254 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,687 | $175,578▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,593 | $211,068▲ |
| Total Employed | 30▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Moses Lake.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Moses Lake is $8,251 (5.66%). Kennewick's median is +9.48% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $98,636,Moses Lake spans $123,647. Moses Lake 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, Kennewick ($153,813 effective) pays 13.39% more than Moses Lake ($135,646 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($153,935/year)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,813)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Moses Lake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($211,068)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Kennewick grew 5.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.7% growth in Moses Lake over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$141,460 (2019) → $149,510 (2025)
Moses Lake, WA
$153,339 (2024) → $141,496 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Moses Lake, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Kennewick or Moses Lake?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Moses Lake?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to Moses Lake as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Kennewick vs Moses Lake?
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