Optometrist Salary in Alabama: $143,503 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Alabama's 24 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $143,503/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Alabama sits at BEA RPP 87.9 (12% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $163,257 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Birmingham ($162,890), Huntsville ($161,170), Daphne ($160,680).
The average median salary for optometrists in Alabama in 2026 is projected to be $143,504, which represents a 2.1% increase compared to the national median of $140,612. This reflects Alabama's growing demand for eye care professionals amidst a projected annual compound growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%. The highest salaries are found in Birmingham at $167,712, while Pelham reports the lowest at $114,300, creating a significant gap of $53,412. This disparity is primarily driven by the population density and demand for services in urban areas versus suburban and rural settings. Alabama's licensing requirements mandate completion of an accredited optometry program and passing national and state examinations. The scope of practice allows optometrists to perform various procedures, which increases their role in preventative care and management of eye diseases. With a total of 425 optometrists employed in the state, cities like Huntsville and Daphne also offer competitive salaries, projected at $165,941 and $165,436 respectively. The job outlook remains positive, buoyed by an aging population that necessitates ongoing eye care services, pushing for higher demand in both urban and rural locales.
Alabama Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Alabama: $59,593 (lowest entry-level) to $224,762 (highest top earner)
Alabama vs National Average
Alabama optometrists earn 2.06% more than the national median (+$2,891/year difference).
Alabama Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Alabama range from $72,344 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $192,853 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $143,503. The Alabama median is $2,891 above the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $68.99/hr. Approximately 425 optometrists are employed across 24 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$107,559
2025 BLS Actual
$139,378
2026 Current Est.
$143,503
2019–2027 Growth
+37.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Alabama (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,559 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,032 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,406 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,507 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,947 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,663 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,378 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $143,503 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,751 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alabama metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 29.6% from $107,559 (2019) to $139,378 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $147,751 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,192 (37.37%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alabama 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Alabama
Lowest Paying Cities in Alabama
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Pelham | $114,300 |
| Albertville | $118,390 |
| Vestavia Hills | $118,658 |
| Anniston | $118,920 |
| Opelika | $119,377 |
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Alabama
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Alabama cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | $167,712 | 91.644 | $183,004 |
| Huntsville | $165,941 | 93.072 | $178,293 |
| Daphne | $165,436 | 94.69 | $174,713 |
| Mobile | $127,735 | 87.9 | $145,319 |
| Montgomery | $127,352 | 87.9 | $144,883 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $72,344 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $143,503 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $192,853 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Alabama metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 24 Cities in Alabama
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Birmingham | $167,712 |
| 2 | Huntsville | $165,941 |
| 3 | Daphne | $165,436 |
| 4 | Mobile | $127,735 |
| 5 | Montgomery | $127,352 |
| 6 | Hoover | $124,795 |
| 7 | Tuscaloosa | $123,835 |
| 8 | Decatur | $123,826 |
| 9 | Phenix City | $121,622 |
| 10 | Dothan | $121,016 |
| 11 | Prattville | $120,959 |
| 12 | Auburn | $120,831 |
| 13 | Northport | $120,691 |
| 14 | Madison | $120,507 |
| 15 | Alabaster | $119,761 |
| 16 | Florence | $119,579 |
| 17 | Gadsden | $119,579 |
| 18 | Enterprise | $119,570 |
| 19 | Homewood | $119,416 |
| 20 | Opelika | $119,377 |
| 21 | Anniston | $118,920 |
| 22 | Vestavia Hills | $118,658 |
| 23 | Albertville | $118,390 |
| 24 | Pelham | $114,300 |
More Alabama Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced optometrists.
Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Alabama in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Alabama?
How does Alabama optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Alabama?
How many optometrists are employed in Alabama?
Which Alabama city offers the best value for optometrists?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 optometrist compensation across Alabama. State averages are employment-weighted across 24 metro areas — larger metro areas with more optometristscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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