Little Rock vs Springdale: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Little Rock, AR and Springdale, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Little Rock, AR | Springdale, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $117,745 | $137,918▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.61 | $66.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,806 | $79,993▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,656 | $108,276▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,984 | $166,902▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,058 | $203,414▲ |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Springdale, AR offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Little Rock.
The salary gap between Little Rock and Springdale is $20,173 (17.13%). Springdale's median is -1.92% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Little Rock spans $108,252,Springdale spans $123,421. Springdale 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, Springdale ($158,709 effective) pays 20.45% more than Little Rock ($131,759 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Springdale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,918/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,414)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $158,709)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Little Rock grew 54.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.3% growth in Springdale over the same period.
Little Rock, AR
$73,940 (2019) → $114,360 (2025)
Springdale, AR
$100,483 (2024) → $133,953 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Little Rock, AR
Springdale, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Little Rock or Springdale?
What is the hourly rate difference between Little Rock and Springdale?
Should I relocate from Little Rock to Springdale as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Little Rock vs Springdale?
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