Little Rock vs Texarkana: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Little Rock, AR and Texarkana, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Little Rock, AR | Texarkana, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $117,745▲ | $117,535 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.61▲ | $56.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,806▲ | $70,095 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,656 | $97,413▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,984 | $141,163▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,058▲ | $169,920 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Texarkana.
The salary gap between Little Rock and Texarkana is $210 (0.18%). Little Rock's median is -16.26% 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,Texarkana spans $99,825. Little Rock has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Texarkana ($135,253 effective) pays 2.65% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($117,745/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,058)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Texarkana if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,253)
- ✓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 18.8% growth in Texarkana over the same period.
Little Rock, AR
$73,940 (2019) → $114,360 (2025)
Texarkana, AR
$96,127 (2024) → $114,156 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Little Rock, AR
Texarkana, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Little Rock or Texarkana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Little Rock and Texarkana?
Should I relocate from Little Rock to Texarkana as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Little Rock vs Texarkana?
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