Optometrist Salary in Phenix City, AL: $121,622 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Phenix City, AL earns a median $121,622/year (≈ $58.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Phenix City's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $138,364 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Phenix City, Alabama, the projected optometrist salary in 2026 is $121,622, which reflects a competitive but lower pay scale compared to the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in the area is noteworthy, with entry-level positions earning approximately $72,934 while more experienced practitioners can make up to $169,410. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments. The market dynamics in Phenix City can influence salary potential, especially as practitioners choose between independent practice ownership, employment at established optometry practices, or retail chain affiliations. Those working in retail settings may experience a variation in compensation, often affected by the evolving landscape of optical care in the region.
About the Phenix City Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,934 | $35.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,475 | $48.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $121,622 | $58.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,162 | $68.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $169,410 | $81.45 |
Median Salary Position
13.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Phenix City
In Phenix City, AL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $96,476 (2026 est.). At $121,622, the local median is 13.51% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Phenix City: You'd be above the median
How Phenix City Optometrist Pay Compares
Phenix City median: $121,622/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Phenix City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $123,599 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -13.51% less |
Optometrists in Phenix City, AL earn a median of $121,622 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.51% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.60% below the Alabama state average of $123,599.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Phenix City 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.
Phenix City, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $121,622 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,364 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,684
2025 BLS Actual
$118,125
2026 Current Est.
$121,622
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Phenix City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,684 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,106 | Actual |
| 2021 | $107,512 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,628 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,051 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,063 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,125 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $121,622 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,221 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Phenix City metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $99,684 (2019) to $118,125 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,221 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,537 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Phenix City 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) | $72,934 – $101,475 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,475 – $121,622 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $121,622 – $142,162 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,162 – $169,410 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Phenix City
The local job market for optometrists in Phenix City currently employs only seven professionals, demonstrating a tight employment scenario. With a cost-of-living index of 87.9, which is below the national average, optometrists’ take-home pay is relatively stronger, providing residents with purchasing power that can truly influence lifestyle. Among potential employers, private optometry practices and medical centers generally offer the highest compensation, while retail optical chains may present more variable pay scales. Understanding the factors that drive salary disparities, such as practice ownership, the partnership with ophthalmologists in OD/MD practices, and the impact of residency training, can better inform salary negotiations. New graduates or current optometrists should focus on establishing a niche in areas like ocular disease or take advantage of expanding scopes of practice, which can enhance earning potential in a market like Phenix City, AL.
More salary data for Phenix City, 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 $118,125 for optometristsin the Phenix City 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 Phenix City 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