Madison vs River Falls: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Madison, WI and River Falls, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | River Falls, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,015 | $139,479▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.47 | $67.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,225▲ | $80,898 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,116▲ | $116,145 |
| 75th Percentile | $169,174▲ | $166,660 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $202,502▲ | $198,240 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Madison and River Falls are closely matched on overall optometrist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Madison and River Falls is $7,464 (5.65%). River Falls's median is -0.81% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $97,277,River Falls spans $117,342. River Falls 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, River Falls ($149,335 effective) pays 10.05% more than Madison ($135,696 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($202,502)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose River Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,479/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,335)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Madison grew 35.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.4% growth in River Falls over the same period.
Madison, WI
$94,800 (2019) → $128,220 (2025)
River Falls, WI
$114,413 (2024) → $135,469 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
River Falls, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Madison or River Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and River Falls?
Should I relocate from Madison to River Falls as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Madison vs River Falls?
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