Optometrist Salary in North Lauderdale, FL: $156,956 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in North Lauderdale, FL earns a median $156,956/year (≈ $75.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in North Lauderdale's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $155,710 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Lauderdale, FL, the optometrist salary for 2026 is projected to reach an impressive $156,956. This figure is significantly above the national median of $140,612, showcasing a strong local market for optometrists. Salaries in the area vary greatly, ranging from $91,035 at the 10th percentile to $219,434 for the 90th percentile. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price differences, reflect the robust demand for vision care professionals. The earnings potential can be further enhanced through the OD/MD model of surgical co-management, allowing for additional revenue streams that contribute to overall compensation.
About the North Lauderdale Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,035 | $43.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $131,706 | $63.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $156,956 | $75.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $184,429 | $88.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $219,434 | $105.49 |
Median Salary Position
11.62% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Lauderdale
In North Lauderdale, FL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $128,399 (2026 est.). At $156,956, the local median is 11.62% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Lauderdale: You'd be above the median
How North Lauderdale Optometrist Pay Compares
North Lauderdale median: $156,956/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Lauderdale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $161,811 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +11.62% more |
Optometrists in North Lauderdale, FL earn a median of $156,956 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.62% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.00% below the Florida state average of $161,811.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Lauderdale has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
North Lauderdale, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $156,956 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $155,710 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$128,646
2025 BLS Actual
$152,444
2026 Current Est.
$156,956
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in North Lauderdale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,646 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,771 | Actual |
| 2021 | $138,748 | Actual |
| 2022 | $140,188 | Actual |
| 2023 | $147,187 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,124 | Actual |
| 2025 | $152,444 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $156,956 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $161,602 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Lauderdale metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $128,646 (2019) to $152,444 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $161,602 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,956 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Lauderdale 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) | $91,035 – $131,706 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $131,706 – $156,956 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $156,956 – $184,429 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $184,429 – $219,434 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in North Lauderdale
As of the most recent data, North Lauderdale employs seven optometrists, indicating a stable but limited job market that may elevate competition among candidates. The cost of living index stands at 100.8, slightly above the national average, which affects take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, ophthalmology practices utilizing the OD/MD model tend to offer the most competitive salaries, followed by private optometry practices and retail optical chains. Variability in compensation arises from factors such as ownership stakes, cooperation with ophthalmologists, and the existence of residency training programs. For those seeking to maximize their pay in North Lauderdale, building relationships within the community and pursuing specialized training in areas like ocular disease can prove beneficial in standing out in this evolving field.
More salary data for North Lauderdale, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in North Lauderdale, FL in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in North Lauderdale?
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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 $152,444 for optometristsin the North Lauderdale 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 North Lauderdale 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