St. Louis vs Webster Groves: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between St. Louis, MO and Webster Groves, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Webster Groves, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,089▲ | $121,002 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.87▲ | $58.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,616▲ | $70,364 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,956▲ | $98,890 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,385▲ | $140,438 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,156▲ | $164,699 |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 6 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Webster Groves.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Webster Groves is $18,087 (14.95%). St. Louis's median is -1.08% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $125,540,Webster Groves spans $94,335. St. Louis 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, St. Louis ($146,274 effective) pays 8.31% more than Webster Groves ($135,047 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,089/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($199,156)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,274)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Webster Groves if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in St. Louis grew 22.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.7% growth in Webster Groves over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$110,600 (2019) → $135,090 (2025)
Webster Groves, MO
$110,148 (2024) → $117,523 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Webster Groves, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: St. Louis or Webster Groves?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Webster Groves?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to Webster Groves as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in St. Louis vs Webster Groves?
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