Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Montgomery, AL: $73,865 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Montgomery, AL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,865 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Montgomery's local price level (BEA RPP 87.9 — 12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,033 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($127,352) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting your career as an optometrist in Montgomery, Alabama, will present you with an entry-level salary that can start from around $73,865. While this figure is considerably lower than the city's median annual pay of $127,352, it is crucial to understand that new graduates can anticipate significant salary growth in their early years. Over the first three to five years, salaries typically progress from this initial rung up to around $102,749 and can continue to approach the median. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.96%, Montgomery remains a viable market for recent optometry graduates seeking to build their careers in a supportive environment.
About the Montgomery Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Montgomery
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Montgomery
Entry-level optometrists in Montgomery, AL typically start between $73,865 and $102,749 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $119,271 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $127,352 — 9.43% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Alabama of $120,000 represents just 162.46% of the starting optometrist pay ($73,865/year) in Montgomery. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOE-accredited Doctor of Optometry programs. Public school OD programs offer lower in-state tuition, while private institutions carry higher out-of-pocket costs. Totals reflect tuition and fees for the 4-year professional program; clinical rotation travel and living costs add to the total cost of attendance.
OD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Montgomery
- 1Research the Montgomery market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $73,865 to $102,749, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the optometry field — employers in AL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Montgomery, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Montgomery for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Montgomery's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Optometrist Compensation Range
The optometrist wage spread in Montgomery is $119,271 ( 161.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,865, experienced hygienists can earn up to $193,136.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$84,930
2025 BLS Actual
$71,741
2026 Current Est.
$73,865
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.5%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Montgomery (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,020 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,810 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,264 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,986 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,741 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,865 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,051 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Montgomery, AL grew -15.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $84,930 in 2019 to $71,741 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,051. New graduates entering the Montgomery job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montgomery metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your optometry Career in Montgomery
Employers in Montgomery actively seek new graduates, with retail chains such as LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr consistently hiring optometrists. These companies often provide structured transition programs for recent graduates. Meanwhile, residency-trained ODs are more aligned with specialized practices and the VA system, which can help in navigating the employment landscape. To enhance your starting optometrist pay in AL, it is advisable to obtain an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited school, pass the NBEO’s Parts I-III, and obtain necessary state licensure. Accreditation and additional training, such as a residency focusing on ocular disease, will position you favorably in the job market. As you establish your practice and take advantage of the expanding scope of practice in optometry, including management of glaucoma and oral medications, salary advancements can be expected, shaping your trajectory within the profession.
More salary data for Montgomery, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Montgomery in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in Montgomery?
Is optometry school worth it in Montgomery?
What do new optometrists make right out of school in Montgomery?
How do I become a optometrist in Alabama?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alabama
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new optometry graduates. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Montgomery. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Montgomery is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov