Optometrist Salary

Lauderhill vs Orlando: Optometrist Salary (2026)

Compare optometrist salaries between Lauderhill, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lauderhill, FL
$157,592
$75.77/hr
Orlando, FL
$164,829
$79.25/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLauderhill, FLOrlando, FL
Median Salary$157,592$164,829
Hourly Rate$75.77$79.25
Entry Level (P10)$91,403$88,154
25th Percentile$127,170$129,256
75th Percentile$190,710$168,010
Top Earner (P90)$232,431$199,434
Total Employed19290
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lauderhill ($157,592) and Orlando ($164,829) optometrist salaries.LauderhillOrlandoMedian Salary$157,592$164,829Entry Level (P10)$91,403$88,154Top Earner (P90)$232,431$199,434US Median $140,612

Verdict

Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lauderhill.

The salary gap between Lauderhill and Orlando is $7,237 (4.59%). Orlando's median is +17.22% compared to the US national median of $140,612.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lauderhill spans $141,028,Orlando spans $111,280. Lauderhill has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lauderhill
P10 (Entry)$91,403
P25$127,170
Median$157,592
P75$190,710
P90 (Top)$232,431
Orlando
P10 (Entry)$88,154
P25$129,256
Median$164,829
P75$168,010
P90 (Top)$199,434

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Orlando ($162,524 effective) pays 3.95% more than Lauderhill ($156,341 effective).

Lauderhill
Nominal: $157,592
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $156,341
Orlando
Nominal: $164,829
CoL Index: 101.418
Adjusted: $162,524

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lauderhill if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($232,431)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Orlando if…

  • Higher median salary ($164,829/year)
  • Larger job market (290 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $162,524)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Lauderhill grew 19.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.2% growth in Orlando over the same period.

Lauderhill, FL

+19.9%

$127,638 (2024) → $153,061 (2025)

Orlando, FL

+36.2%

$117,570 (2019) → $160,090 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Lauderhill or Orlando?

Orlando has a higher median optometrist salary at $164,829/year, compared to Lauderhill at $157,592/year — a difference of $7,237 (4.59%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lauderhill and Orlando?

Lauderhill optometrists earn $75.77/hr while Orlando hygienists earn $79.25/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lauderhill to Orlando as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lauderhill and Orlando. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lauderhill = $156,341, Orlando = $162,524), job availability (19 vs 290 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level optometrists earn in Lauderhill vs Orlando?

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $91,403 in Lauderhill and $88,154 in Orlando. The Lauderhill 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