Optometrist Salary in Daytona Beach, FL: $159,868 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Daytona Beach, FL earns a median $159,868/year (≈ $76.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Daytona Beach's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $158,599 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Daytona Beach, Florida, can expect a substantial median annual salary of $159,868, outpacing the national median of $140,612 by roughly 13.69%. Salaries vary significantly, ranging from $92,724 at the 10th percentile to as high as $240,802 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect local estimates adjusted for the regional cost of living, which is slightly above the national average with a cost-of-living index of 100.8. The decision to work as a private practice owner, an employed associate, or within a retail chain significantly influences income potential, contributing to the wider salary range experienced by optometrists in this market.
About the Daytona Beach Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,724 | $44.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $128,823 | $61.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $159,868 | $76.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $196,841 | $94.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $240,802 | $115.77 |
Median Salary Position
13.69% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Daytona Beach
In Daytona Beach, FL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $148,078 (2026 est.). At $159,868, the local median is 13.69% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Daytona Beach: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Daytona Beach Optometrist Pay Compares
Daytona Beach median: $159,868/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Daytona Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $161,810 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +13.69% more |
Optometrists in Daytona Beach, FL earn a median of $159,868 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.69% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.20% below the Florida state average of $161,810.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Daytona Beach has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Daytona Beach, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $159,868 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $158,599 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$131,032
2025 BLS Actual
$155,272
2026 Current Est.
$159,868
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Daytona Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,032 | Actual |
| 2020 | $134,216 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,322 | Actual |
| 2022 | $142,788 | Actual |
| 2023 | $149,917 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,514 | Actual |
| 2025 | $155,272 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $159,868 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $164,600 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Daytona Beach metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $131,032 (2019) to $155,272 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $164,600 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,568 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Daytona Beach 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) | $92,724 – $128,823 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $128,823 – $159,868 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $159,868 – $196,841 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $196,841 – $240,802 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Daytona Beach
With only 14 optometrists employed in the area, the job market in Daytona Beach appears relatively specialized, with positions largely available in private practices and retail chains. Although practice ownership can lead to greater earnings through profit-sharing, employment in retail chains may provide more stability amid structural changes in the industry, as many private practices are now owned by private-equity firms. The cost-of-living index suggests that while salaries may appear generous, actual take-home pay must factor in local living expenses. Employers like group practices or ophthalmology settings—which can command higher fees through surgical referrals—often pay the most compared to retail optical chains. Consequently, prospective optometrists should consider pursuing residencies in ocular disease or working closely with ophthalmologists to maximize their earning potential in Daytona Beach, FL.
More salary data for Daytona Beach, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Daytona Beach, FL in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Daytona Beach?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Daytona Beach?
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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 $155,272 for optometristsin the Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach 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