Optometrist Salary

Lansing vs Novi: Optometrist Salary (2026)

Compare optometrist salaries between Lansing, MI and Novi, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lansing, MI
$134,579
$64.70/hr
Novi, MI
$134,612
$64.72/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLansing, MINovi, MI
Median Salary$134,579$134,612
Hourly Rate$64.70$64.72
Entry Level (P10)$76,335$78,075
25th Percentile$130,872$109,170
75th Percentile$161,657$163,444
Top Earner (P90)$214,332$199,443
Total Employed7012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lansing ($134,579) and Novi ($134,612) optometrist salaries.LansingNoviMedian Salary$134,579$134,612Entry Level (P10)$76,335$78,075Top Earner (P90)$214,332$199,443US Median $140,612

Verdict

Lansing and Novi are closely matched on overall optometrist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Lansing and Novi is $33 (0.02%). Novi's median is -4.27% compared to the US national median of $140,612.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lansing spans $137,997,Novi spans $121,368. Lansing has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lansing
P10 (Entry)$76,335
P25$130,872
Median$134,579
P75$161,657
P90 (Top)$214,332
Novi
P10 (Entry)$78,075
P25$109,170
Median$134,612
P75$163,444
P90 (Top)$199,443

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Novi ($144,433 effective) pays 1.95% more than Lansing ($141,676 effective).

Lansing
Nominal: $134,579
CoL Index: 94.991
Adjusted: $141,676
Novi
Nominal: $134,612
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $144,433

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lansing if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($214,332)
  • Larger job market (70 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Novi if…

  • Higher median salary ($134,612/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,433)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Lansing grew 15.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.4% growth in Novi over the same period.

Lansing, MI

+15.9%

$112,800 (2019) → $130,710 (2025)

Novi, MI

+10.4%

$118,418 (2024) → $130,742 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Lansing or Novi?

Novi has a higher median optometrist salary at $134,612/year, compared to Lansing at $134,579/year — a difference of $33 (0.02%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and Novi?

Lansing optometrists earn $64.70/hr while Novi hygienists earn $64.72/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lansing to Novi as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lansing and Novi. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lansing = $141,676, Novi = $144,433), job availability (70 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level optometrists earn in Lansing vs Novi?

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $76,335 in Lansing and $78,075 in Novi. The Novi area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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