Optometrist Salary in Albertville, AL: $118,390 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Albertville, AL earns a median $118,390/year (≈ $56.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Albertville's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $134,687 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Albertville, Alabama, can expect a median annual salary of $118,390. This compensation reflects a full salary range from $68,666 at the 10th percentile to $160,824 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential based on experience, specialization, and setting. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, position the optometrist salary in Albertville about 15.80% lower than the national median of $140,612. Given Alabama's expanding scope of practice, particularly the ability to manage glaucoma and prescribe oral medications, these factors may influence the overall compensation structure. While the job market comprises only four optometrists in the area, the competitive environment and evolving practice capabilities lay the foundation for ongoing growth and demand in local eye care.
About the Albertville Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,666 | $33.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,011 | $48.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $118,390 | $56.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $136,855 | $65.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $160,824 | $77.32 |
Median Salary Position
15.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Albertville
In Albertville, AL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $92,158 (2026 est.). At $118,390, the local median is 15.8% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Albertville: You'd be above the median
How Albertville Optometrist Pay Compares
Albertville median: $118,390/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Albertville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $123,580 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -15.80% less |
Optometrists in Albertville, AL earn a median of $118,390 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.80% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.20% below the Alabama state average of $123,580.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Albertville has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Albertville, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $118,390 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $134,687 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,035
2025 BLS Actual
$114,986
2026 Current Est.
$118,390
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Albertville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,035 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,393 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,655 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,741 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,351 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,986 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,390 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,894 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Albertville metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $97,035 (2019) to $114,986 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,894 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,859 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albertville 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $68,666 – $101,011 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,011 – $118,390 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $118,390 – $136,855 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $136,855 – $160,824 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Albertville
Local employment opportunities for optometrists in Albertville reflect a modest job market with only four professionals currently working in the area. With an overall cost-of-living index of 87.9, which is below the national average, the purchasing power of optometrists may be somewhat higher than it appears at first glance. Among various employers, private optometry practices tend to offer the most competitive compensation, especially for those with ownership equity or those working within the OD/MD collaborative care model, where surgical referrals can enhance revenue. The disparity in earnings between lower and higher-paid optometrists often stems from practice settings, including differences between retail chains and private establishments, as well as variations in residency training or post-acquisition employment terms. To maximize pay in Albertville, optometrists should consider pursuing advanced training or residencies in ocular disease, exploring opportunities in collaborative practices with ophthalmologists, or even seeking ownership in private practices, as these strategies can lead to greater financial reward and professional fulfillment.
More salary data for Albertville, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $114,986 for optometristsin the Albertville metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Albertville 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