Optometrist Salary in Conway, AR: $115,244 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Conway, AR earns a median $115,244/year (≈ $55.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Conway's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $132,617 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $115,244 for 2026, the optometrist salary in Conway represents a competitive entry point within the state, especially when considering local cost adjustments based on BLS state-level data. The salary range varies significantly, from $66,842 at the 10th percentile to $168,498 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the diverse earning potential for optometrists in the area. This range is especially influenced by the growing importance of the OD/MD model in surgical co-management, which can contribute significantly to revenue streams for optometrists. In the context of Arkansas, where the median pay reflects a shorter distance from national figures, understanding local market dynamics becomes key to assessing earnings potential.
About the Conway Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,842 | $32.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,289 | $44.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $115,244 | $55.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $138,932 | $66.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $168,498 | $81.01 |
Median Salary Position
18.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Conway
In Conway, AR, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $101,656 (2026 est.). At $115,244, the local median is 18.04% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Conway: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Conway Optometrist Pay Compares
Conway median: $115,244/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Conway Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $122,210 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -18.04% less |
Optometrists in Conway, AR earn a median of $115,244 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.04% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.70% below the Arkansas state average of $122,210.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Conway has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Conway, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $115,244 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $132,617 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$94,457
2025 BLS Actual
$111,931
2026 Current Est.
$115,244
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Conway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,457 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,752 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,875 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,932 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,071 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,834 | Actual |
| 2025 | $111,931 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,244 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $118,655 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Conway metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $94,457 (2019) to $111,931 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $118,655 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,198 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Conway 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) | $66,842 – $92,289 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,289 – $115,244 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $115,244 – $138,932 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $138,932 – $168,498 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Conway
Currently, Conway employs around 14 optometrists, which indicates a niche yet stable market for this career path. With a cost-of-living index of 86.9, many practitioners will find their take-home pay provides considerable purchasing power relative to other regions. Among local employers, private optometry practices may yield higher compensation, particularly those that adopt the OD/MD model and have arrangements for surgical referrals. Conversely, retail optical chains might offer lower salaries as compared to independently owned practices, yet they often provide more secure employment. The variance in pay stems from factors such as practice ownership, residency training in ocular disease, and the changing landscape following private practice acquisitions by private equity firms. For best practices in maximizing earnings in this Conway market, developing strong professional networks and considering further specialization can enhance income prospects while increasing visibility in a competitive field.
More salary data for Conway, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Conway, AR in 2026?
Is Conway, AR a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Conway?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Conway?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Conway?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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 $111,931 for optometristsin the Conway 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 Conway 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