Optometrist Salary in Arkansas: $123,142 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Arkansas's 21 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $123,142/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Arkansas sits at BEA RPP 86.9 (13% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $141,705 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Rogers ($134,048), Springdale ($133,953), Fayetteville ($131,890).
In 2026, the average median salary for optometrists in Arkansas is projected to be $123,142, which is 12.4% lower than the national median of $140,612. The city of Rogers offers the highest salary for optometrists at $138,016, while Fort Smith has the lowest at $112,432, creating a salary gap of $25,584. This disparity can be attributed to several factors, including cost of living differences, local demand for eye care services, and the concentration of optometrists in certain urban areas. Arkansas requires optometrists to hold a Doctor of Optometry degree and obtain licensure through the Arkansas State Board of Optometry. The state has a defined scope of practice that allows optometrists to perform various services, including prescribing medications and performing certain procedures, which can influence salaries depending on the services offered in different regions. With a projected annual compounded growth rate of 2.96%, the job market for optometrists in Arkansas shows positive momentum. Given the state's expanding population and increasing awareness of eye health, there are good prospects for growth in this field. Overall, while salaries may be slightly lower than the national average, the steady demand and opportunities for advancement present a solid career outlook for optometrists in the state.
Arkansas Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Arkansas: $59,676 (lowest entry-level) to $226,162 (highest top earner)
Arkansas vs National Average
Arkansas optometrists earn 12.42% less than the national median ($-17,470/year difference).
Arkansas Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Arkansas range from $67,884 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $188,560 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $123,142. The Arkansas median is $17,470 below the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $59.20/hr. Approximately 348 optometrists are employed across 21 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$77,385
2025 BLS Actual
$119,602
2026 Current Est.
$123,142
2019–2027 Growth
+63.8%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Arkansas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,385 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,112 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,029 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,950 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,539 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,602 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,142 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $126,787 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arkansas metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 54.6% from $77,385 (2019) to $119,602 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $126,787 by 2027 — a total increase of $49,402 (63.84%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arkansas 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Arkansas
Lowest Paying Cities in Arkansas
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Fort Smith | $112,432 |
| Van Buren | $113,423 |
| Conway | $115,244 |
| Bryant | $115,462 |
| North Little Rock | $116,007 |
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Arkansas
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Arkansas cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rogers | $138,016 | 86.9 | $158,822 |
| Springdale | $137,918 | 86.9 | $158,709 |
| Fayetteville | $135,794 | 91.353 | $148,648 |
| Jonesboro | $123,868 | 86.9 | $142,541 |
| Jacksonville | $121,310 | 86.9 | $139,597 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $67,884 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $123,142 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $188,560 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Arkansas metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 21 Cities in Arkansas
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rogers | $138,016 |
| 2 | Springdale | $137,918 |
| 3 | Fayetteville | $135,794 |
| 4 | Jonesboro | $123,868 |
| 5 | Jacksonville | $121,310 |
| 6 | Bentonville | $120,713 |
| 7 | Benton | $119,706 |
| 8 | Hot Springs | $119,593 |
| 9 | Paragould | $119,366 |
| 10 | Pine Bluff | $119,271 |
| 11 | Sherwood | $118,720 |
| 12 | Russellville | $118,095 |
| 13 | Little Rock | $117,745 |
| 14 | Cabot | $117,564 |
| 15 | Texarkana | $117,535 |
| 16 | Searcy | $116,336 |
| 17 | North Little Rock | $116,007 |
| 18 | Bryant | $115,462 |
| 19 | Conway | $115,244 |
| 20 | Van Buren | $113,423 |
| 21 | Fort Smith | $112,432 |
More Arkansas Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced optometrists.
Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Arkansas in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Arkansas?
How does Arkansas optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Arkansas?
How many optometrists are employed in Arkansas?
Which Arkansas city offers the best value for optometrists?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 optometrist compensation across Arkansas. State averages are employment-weighted across 21 metro areas — larger metro areas with more optometristscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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