Optometrist Salary in Dothan, AL: $121,016 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Dothan, AL earns a median $121,016/year (≈ $58.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Dothan's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $137,675 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dothan, Alabama, the projected optometrist salary for 2026 is set at $121,016, which is notably lower than the national median of $140,612. This means local practitioners earn about 13.94% less than their counterparts on a national scale. The salary range for optometrists in the area varies widely, from $70,189 at the 10th percentile to $179,415 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional costs, reflect Dothan's market dynamics and the state's expanding scope of practice, which includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and certain laser procedures. Given the community's demand for such services, the local job market for optometrists remains focused on adaptability and clinical excellence.
About the Dothan Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,189 | $33.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95,750 | $46.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $121,016 | $58.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $147,284 | $70.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $179,415 | $86.26 |
Median Salary Position
13.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dothan
In Dothan, AL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,226 (2026 est.). At $121,016, the local median is 13.94% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dothan: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dothan Optometrist Pay Compares
Dothan median: $121,016/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dothan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $123,612 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -13.94% less |
Optometrists in Dothan, AL earn a median of $121,016 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.94% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.10% below the Alabama state average of $123,612.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dothan 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.
Dothan, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $121,016 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $137,675 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,188
2025 BLS Actual
$117,537
2026 Current Est.
$121,016
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Dothan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,188 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,598 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,420 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,555 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,537 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $121,016 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,598 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dothan metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $99,188 (2019) to $117,537 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $124,598 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,410 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dothan 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) | $70,189 – $95,750 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $95,750 – $121,016 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $121,016 – $147,284 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $147,284 – $179,415 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Dothan
With 18 optometrists currently employed in Dothan, the local job market remains competitive despite the lower average salaries. The cost of living index at 87.9 indicates that living expenses are below the national average, which could enhance the take-home pay for optometrists when considering purchasing power. Among local employers, private optometry practices, particularly those with a blend of medical and surgical services, tend to offer higher compensation compared to retail chains. Factors contributing to the variation in pay include practice ownership equity, the presence of residency-trained providers, and exclusive contracts with insurance plans. To maximize earning potential in Dothan, optometrists should consider pursuing advanced training and affiliations with ophthalmology groups, which can lead to increased revenue from surgical referrals and specialty care. Understanding these elements can help practitioners navigate their career paths effectively.
More salary data for Dothan, 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 $117,537 for optometristsin the Dothan 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 Dothan 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