Optometrist Salary in Hot Springs, AR: $119,593 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Hot Springs, AR earns a median $119,593/year (≈ $57.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Hot Springs's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $137,621 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Hot Springs, AR, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $119,593, indicating a competitive compensation level relative to local and national benchmarks. The salary for this profession ranges from $69,364 at the 10th percentile to $169,555 at the 90th percentile, showcasing considerable variability based on experience, practice setting, and additional qualifications. These figures are derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the region's cost of living. Given that Arkansas allows for expanded practices such as glaucoma management and use of oral medications, the demand for qualified optometrists continues to rise, contributing to a robust job market for this vital healthcare role in Hot Springs.
About the Hot Springs Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,364 | $33.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94,363 | $45.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $119,593 | $57.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $141,600 | $68.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $169,555 | $81.51 |
Median Salary Position
14.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hot Springs
In Hot Springs, AR, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $100,191 (2026 est.). At $119,593, the local median is 14.95% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hot Springs: You'd be above the median
How Hot Springs Optometrist Pay Compares
Hot Springs median: $119,593/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hot Springs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $122,159 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -14.95% less |
Optometrists in Hot Springs, AR earn a median of $119,593 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.95% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.10% below the Arkansas state average of $122,159.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hot Springs 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.
Hot Springs, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $119,593 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $137,621 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,022
2025 BLS Actual
$116,155
2026 Current Est.
$119,593
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hot Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,022 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,403 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,719 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,816 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,149 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,809 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,155 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,593 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $123,133 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hot Springs metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $98,022 (2019) to $116,155 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $123,133 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,111 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hot Springs 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) | $69,364 – $94,363 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $94,363 – $119,593 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $119,593 – $141,600 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $141,600 – $169,555 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Hot Springs
The local optometry job market features approximately six practicing optometrists in Hot Springs, reflecting a small but stable professional community. With a cost-of-living index of 86.9, the region offers an affordable environment that enhances purchasing power for professionals. Employers in this area range from private optometry practices to retail optical chains and ophthalmology clinics, each presenting unique compensation structures. The spread in optometrist pay is influenced by various factors, including the ownership model, the presence of residency training in ocular disease, and whether the practice is strictly an optometry office or part of an integrated OD/MD model. Strategic career decisions—such as pursuing advanced training or considering ownership in a private practice—can greatly impact earning potential, making it essential for emerging optometrists in Hot Springs to actively explore diverse employment opportunities that align with their professional ambitions.
More salary data for Hot Springs, AR:
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 $116,155 for optometristsin the Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs 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