Shreveport vs Thibodaux: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Shreveport, LA and Thibodaux, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Shreveport, LA | Thibodaux, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,797▲ | $116,848 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.44▲ | $56.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,122▲ | $69,396 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,054▲ | $96,549 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,331▲ | $136,433 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $186,938▲ | $160,926 |
| Total Employed | 28▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Shreveport, LA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Thibodaux.
The salary gap between Shreveport and Thibodaux is $10,949 (9.37%). Shreveport's median is -9.11% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Shreveport spans $112,816,Thibodaux spans $91,530. Shreveport 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, Shreveport ($141,525 effective) pays 9.37% more than Thibodaux ($129,400 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Shreveport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,797/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($186,938)
- ✓Larger job market (28 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,525)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Thibodaux if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Shreveport grew -20.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in Thibodaux over the same period.
Shreveport, LA
$156,090 (2019) → $124,123 (2025)
Thibodaux, LA
$101,381 (2024) → $113,489 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Shreveport, LA
Thibodaux, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Shreveport or Thibodaux?
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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