Optometrist Salary in Plant City, FL: $153,140 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Plant City, FL earns a median $153,140/year (≈ $73.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Plant City's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $151,925 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation for optometrists in Plant City, Florida, is projected to reach a median annual salary of $153,140, which indicates a competitive standing compared to the national median of $140,612. The local salary range extends from $88,821 at the lower end to $222,107 for those positioned at the top of their field. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for the cost of living, reflect how surgical co-management in an OD/MD model can significantly contribute to increased earnings through shared revenues from referrals. Given the evolving landscape in optometry, this presents a promising opportunity for growth and financial stability within the Plant City job market.
About the Plant City Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,821 | $42.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $123,966 | $59.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $153,140 | $73.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $184,360 | $88.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222,107 | $106.78 |
Median Salary Position
8.91% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plant City
In Plant City, FL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,286 (2026 est.). At $153,140, the local median is 8.91% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Plant City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Plant City Optometrist Pay Compares
Plant City median: $153,140/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Plant City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $161,710 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +8.91% more |
Optometrists in Plant City, FL earn a median of $153,140 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.91% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 5.30% below the Florida state average of $161,710.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Plant City has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Plant City, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $153,140 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $151,925 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,518
2025 BLS Actual
$148,737
2026 Current Est.
$153,140
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Plant City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,518 | Actual |
| 2020 | $128,567 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,374 | Actual |
| 2022 | $136,779 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,607 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,033 | Actual |
| 2025 | $148,737 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $153,140 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $157,673 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Plant City metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $125,518 (2019) to $148,737 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $157,673 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,155 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plant City 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) | $88,821 – $123,966 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $123,966 – $153,140 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $153,140 – $184,360 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $184,360 – $222,107 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Plant City
A closer look at the employment landscape reveals that Plant City currently has seven optometrists operating in the area. The cost of living index stands at 100.8, suggesting that while living expenses are just above the national average, the purchasing power for optometrists may be positively impacted by competitive salaries. Among various employers, private optometry practices, particularly those integrating ophthalmology services, typically offer the highest pay due to shared surgical revenue. Additionally, residency-trained optometrists may command better salaries, as advanced training in ocular disease enhances their marketability. To maximize pay in Plant City, new ODs should consider engaging with established practices or seeking positions that utilize the OD/MD model, which can significantly elevate compensation through diversified income streams while navigating post-acquisition environments of private equity-owned establishments.
More salary data for Plant City, FL:
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 $148,737 for optometristsin the Plant City 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 Plant City 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