Optometrist Salary in Daphne, AL: $165,436 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Daphne, AL earns a median $165,436/year (≈ $79.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Daphne's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 94.7), that paycheck buys what $174,713 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 33.8% above the Alabama state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Daphne, Alabama, the optometrist salary is projected to be quite competitive, with a median annual compensation of $165,436 in 2026, surpassing the national average by 17.65%. The salary range for optometrists in this area spans from $59,593 at the lower end (P10) to an impressive $224,762 at the upper end (P90). This data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, reflects the state’s expanded scope of practice, which includes the ability to manage glaucoma, prescribe oral medications, and perform certain laser procedures. The unique clinical landscape in Daphne not only enhances service delivery but also plays a role in attracting professionals seeking financial stability and growth opportunities in their practice.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,593 | $28.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $122,244 | $58.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $165,436 | $79.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $177,019 | $85.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $224,762 | $108.06 |
Median Salary Position
17.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Daphne
In Daphne, AL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $165,169 (2026 est.). At $165,436, the local median is 17.65% above the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Daphne: You'd be above the median
How Daphne Optometrist Pay Compares
Daphne median: $165,436/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Daphne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $123,644 | +33.80% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +17.65% more |
Optometrists in Daphne, AL earn a median of $165,436 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.65% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 33.80% above the Alabama state average of $123,644.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Daphne has a cost of living 5.31% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Daphne, AL has a cost-of-living index of 94.69 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $165,436 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $174,713 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$133,340
2025 BLS Actual
$160,680
2026 Current Est.
$165,436
2019–2027 Growth
+27.7%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Daphne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $143,990 | Actual |
| 2021 | $146,244 | Actual |
| 2022 | $147,762 | Actual |
| 2023 | $155,138 | Actual |
| 2024 | $164,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $160,680 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $165,436 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $170,333 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Daphne metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 20.5% from $133,340 (2019) to $160,680 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $170,333 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,993 (27.74%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Daphne 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) | $59,593 – $122,244 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $122,244 – $165,436 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $165,436 – $177,019 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $177,019 – $224,762 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Daphne
With only 40 optometrists currently employed in the Daphne area, the local job market remains relatively niche but poised for steady growth at an annual rate of 2.96% over the next five years. The cost of living index in Daphne stands at 94.69, indicating that while salaries are competitive, take-home pay possesses a higher purchasing power relative to many urban areas. Among local employers, private optometry practices typically offer the most lucrative positions, particularly those operating under the OD/MD model where there is a shared revenue stream from surgical referrals. Factors contributing to the salary range include practice ownership equity, residency training in ocular disease, and the differentiation between private practices and retail optical chains. For those looking to maximize their pay in this specific market, pursuing advanced training and considering ownership opportunities or partnerships can significantly affect compensation outcomes.
More salary data for Daphne, 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 $160,680 for optometristsin the Daphne 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-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