Optometrist Salary in Decatur, AL: $123,826 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Decatur, AL earns a median $123,826/year (≈ $59.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Decatur's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $140,871 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Decatur, Alabama, optometrists can expect to earn a median annual salary of $123,826 in 2026. This figure reflects a competitive pay scale, with salaries ranging from $71,819 at the 10th percentile to as high as $181,401 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments indicate that optometrists in the area are positioned slightly below the national median of $140,612. The competitive scope of practice in Alabama, which includes glaucoma management and the ability to prescribe oral medications, contributes to the dynamic job market for optometrists here, showcasing strong compensation potential relative to other states that have yet to adopt similar practices in a comprehensive manner.
About the Decatur Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,819 | $34.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96,665 | $46.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $123,826 | $59.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,397 | $71.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $181,401 | $87.21 |
Median Salary Position
11.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Decatur
In Decatur, AL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,582 (2026 est.). At $123,826, the local median is 11.94% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Decatur: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Decatur Optometrist Pay Compares
Decatur median: $123,826/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Decatur Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $123,579 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -11.94% less |
Optometrists in Decatur, AL earn a median of $123,826 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.94% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.20% above the Alabama state average of $123,579.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Decatur 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.
Decatur, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $123,826 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $140,871 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$101,491
2025 BLS Actual
$120,266
2026 Current Est.
$123,826
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,491 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,957 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,461 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,597 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,118 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,913 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,266 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,826 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,491 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Decatur metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $101,491 (2019) to $120,266 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,491 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,000 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur 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) | $71,819 – $96,665 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $96,665 – $123,826 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $123,826 – $149,397 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,397 – $181,401 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Decatur
With only nine optometrists currently employed in Decatur, the local job market presents unique opportunities for professionals. A favorable cost-of-living index of 87.9 means that take-home purchasing power is greater than in many regions, allowing for a decent standard of living despite lower salary figures compared to national averages. Among local employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology clinics tend to provide the highest pay, particularly for those who have experience or specialty training in ocular disease. The variation in compensation often stems from factors such as ownership stake in practices, collaboration with ophthalmologists, and whether positions are in retail chain settings versus independent practices. Strategies for maximizing pay include pursuing additional certifications, considering ownership roles, or gaining experience in new treatment modalities, all of which can increase an optometrist’s value in the Decatur market.
More salary data for Decatur, 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 $120,266 for optometristsin the Decatur 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 Decatur 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