New Orleans vs Ruston: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between New Orleans, LA and Ruston, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Orleans, LA | Ruston, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,232▲ | $122,100 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.42▲ | $58.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,654 | $71,268▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,905▲ | $99,981 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,531▲ | $144,305 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $204,901▲ | $170,969 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 4 |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ruston.
The salary gap between New Orleans and Ruston is $18,132 (14.85%). New Orleans's median is -0.27% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Orleans spans $152,247,Ruston spans $99,701. New Orleans 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, New Orleans ($151,443 effective) pays 12.00% more than Ruston ($135,216 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,232/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($204,901)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,443)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Ruston if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in New Orleans grew 77.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in Ruston over the same period.
New Orleans, LA
$76,540 (2019) → $136,200 (2025)
Ruston, LA
$105,938 (2024) → $118,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Orleans, LA
Ruston, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: New Orleans or Ruston?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Orleans and Ruston?
Should I relocate from New Orleans to Ruston as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in New Orleans vs Ruston?
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