Optometrist Salary in Sherwood, AR: $118,720 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Sherwood, AR earns a median $118,720/year (≈ $57.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Sherwood's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $136,617 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Sherwood, AR, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $118,720. This figure illustrates a significant difference from the national median of $140,612, positioning Sherwood's compensation about 15.57% lower than the national average. The salary range for optometrists in this area is quite broad, with entry-level positions (P10) starting at $68,858 and the upper echelon (P90) reaching up to $173,937. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price parities help to contextualize these earnings within the local market, influenced in part by Arkansas's expanding optometric scope of practice that includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and certain laser procedures. These factors contribute to a competitive job market for the seven optometrists currently employed in Sherwood.
About the Sherwood Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,858 | $33.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,202 | $46.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $118,720 | $57.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $143,991 | $69.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $173,937 | $83.62 |
Median Salary Position
15.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sherwood
In Sherwood, AR, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $105,079 (2026 est.). At $118,720, the local median is 15.57% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sherwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sherwood Optometrist Pay Compares
Sherwood median: $118,720/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sherwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $122,140 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -15.57% less |
Optometrists in Sherwood, AR earn a median of $118,720 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.57% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.80% below the Arkansas state average of $122,140.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sherwood 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.
Sherwood, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $118,720 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,617 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,306
2025 BLS Actual
$115,307
2026 Current Est.
$118,720
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Sherwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,306 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,947 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,037 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,096 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,307 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,720 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,234 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sherwood metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $97,306 (2019) to $115,307 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $122,234 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,928 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sherwood 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) | $68,858 – $97,202 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,202 – $118,720 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $118,720 – $143,991 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $143,991 – $173,937 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Sherwood
The local job market reveals a unique financial landscape for optometrists, particularly against the backdrop of the cost of living index of 86.9, which suggests that living expenses are below the national average. This lower cost of living can enhance the purchasing power of optometrists in the area. Among potential employers, private optometry practices, both solo and group, tend to offer the most lucrative positions, particularly those integrated with ophthalmology practices. The variation in pay stems from several factors, including practice ownership equity, the alignment with ophthalmology for surgical referrals, and the differing structures between retail chains and private settings. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Sherwood, pursuing residency training, particularly in ocular disease, and understanding the nuances of the evolving market can provide a significant advantage in securing higher-paying roles within the community.
More salary data for Sherwood, 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 $115,307 for optometristsin the Sherwood 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 Sherwood 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