Poughkeepsie vs Rochester: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Poughkeepsie, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Poughkeepsie, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $169,207▲ | $164,098 |
| Hourly Rate | $81.35▲ | $78.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,139 | $101,961▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $134,828▲ | $130,327 |
| 75th Percentile | $201,623▲ | $172,808 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $241,996▲ | $193,246 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Poughkeepsie, NY offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Poughkeepsie and Rochester is $5,109 (3.11%). Poughkeepsie's median is +20.34% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Poughkeepsie spans $143,857,Rochester spans $91,285. Poughkeepsie 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, Rochester ($169,112 effective) pays 15.84% more than Poughkeepsie ($145,994 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Poughkeepsie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($169,207/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($241,996)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $169,112)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Poughkeepsie grew -4.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.6% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Poughkeepsie, NY
$171,231 (2024) → $164,342 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$114,990 (2019) → $159,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Poughkeepsie, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Poughkeepsie or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Poughkeepsie and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Poughkeepsie to Rochester as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Poughkeepsie vs Rochester?
Related Comparisons
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