Optometrist Salary in Homewood, AL: $119,416 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Homewood, AL earns a median $119,416/year (≈ $57.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Homewood's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $135,854 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For optometrists in Homewood, Alabama, the projected median annual salary for 2026 is set at $119,416. This figure reflects a wide salary range, with entry-level positions at approximately $71,958 and experienced optometrists potentially earning up to $173,344. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the region's specific economic conditions, and contextualized within Alabama’s expanding scope of practice that includes managing glaucoma, prescribing oral medications, and performing select laser procedures. Given the growing opportunities within the profession, the job market in Homewood is becoming increasingly competitive for optometrists.
About the Homewood Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,958 | $34.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,612 | $47.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $119,416 | $57.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $144,123 | $69.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $173,344 | $83.34 |
Median Salary Position
15.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Homewood
In Homewood, AL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $101,386 (2026 est.). At $119,416, the local median is 15.07% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Homewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Homewood Optometrist Pay Compares
Homewood median: $119,416/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Homewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $123,619 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -15.07% less |
Optometrists in Homewood, AL earn a median of $119,416 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.07% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.40% below the Alabama state average of $123,619.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Homewood 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.
Homewood, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $119,416 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,854 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,877
2025 BLS Actual
$115,983
2026 Current Est.
$119,416
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Homewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,877 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,255 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,563 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,658 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,983 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,212 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,983 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,416 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,951 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Homewood metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $97,877 (2019) to $115,983 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $122,951 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,074 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Homewood 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) | $71,958 – $99,612 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,612 – $119,416 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $119,416 – $144,123 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $144,123 – $173,344 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Homewood
In Homewood, the job market is supported by a modest number of optometrists, with only five currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 87.9, meaning that while salaries are lower than the national median, the purchasing power for residents can be relatively favorable given lower expenses. Private optometry practices and ophthalmology offices often offer the highest salaries, especially for those with additional training or residency experience in ocular diseases, as collaboration with ophthalmologists can enhance revenue through surgical referrals. The disparity in pay within the field is influenced by factors such as practice ownership, the nature of employment arrangements, and the type of healthcare setup—ranging from retail chains to private practices. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in this particular market, pursuing additional certifications and considering opportunities in well-established private practices may prove beneficial.
More salary data for Homewood, 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 $115,983 for optometristsin the Homewood 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 Homewood 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