Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Lawrence, KS: $74,963 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Lawrence, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,963 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,468 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($129,247) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting your career as an optometrist in Lawrence, Kansas, presents a compelling opportunity, although entry-level salaries might not be as high as anticipated. New graduates can expect a starting optometrist salary in Lawrence projected at around $74,963 in 2026, which is notably lower than the city median of $129,247. However, there is room for advancement within a few years; earnings typically grow as short-term experience builds, moving from the entry level to the 25th percentile at $107,287. The local job market seems favorable for new grads, especially considering the relatively low cost of living index of 90.9, making Lawrence a viable option despite the initial figures.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level optometrists in Lawrence, KS typically start between $74,963 and $107,287 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $112,437 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $129,247 — 8.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Kansas of $130,000 represents just 173.42% of the starting optometrist pay ($74,963/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $74,963 to $107,287, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $112,437 ( 149.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,963, experienced hygienists can earn up to $187,400.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,570
2025 BLS Actual
$72,808
2026 Current Est.
$74,963
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,077 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,894 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,438 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,190 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,239 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,808 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,963 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,182 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, KS grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,570 in 2019 to $72,808 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,182. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
When considering where to start your career, potential employers in Lawrence often include retail chains like LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr, which actively hire new graduates and offer structured transition periods. Private practices and the VA system provide additional avenues for those interested in residency-trained roles or specific disciplines such as ocular disease. Megatrends in the industry have led to an increased demand for optometrists familiar with treating glaucoma and prescribing oral medications. For those newly entering the field, obtaining credentials such as a Doctor of Optometry from an ACOE-accredited school, passing NBEO Parts I-III, and securing state licensure are crucial. Additionally, pursuing a one-year residency can further enhance job prospects and starting pay, potentially positioning new optometrists to earn significantly more as they gain experience and certifications relevant to modern practice demands.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is optometry school worth it in Lawrence?
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Related Pages
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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
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 Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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