Optometrist Salary in Sebastian, FL: $157,923 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Sebastian, FL earns a median $157,923/year (≈ $75.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Sebastian's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $156,670 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Sebastian, Florida, can anticipate a median salary of $157,923 in 2026, reflecting a favorable position compared to the national median of $140,612. The local market displays a substantial salary range for the profession, with entry-level optometrists earning approximately $93,245 at the 10th percentile and those at the higher end earning up to $232,795 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data with adjustments for regional price parities, underscore the potential for high earnings in this market, especially considering the revenue opportunity offered by the OD/MD model for surgical co-management. As the scope of practice continues to expand in Florida, such dynamics can enhance the earning potential for optometrists practicing in Sebastian.
About the Sebastian Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,245 | $44.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $130,194 | $62.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $157,923 | $75.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $192,403 | $92.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $232,795 | $111.92 |
Median Salary Position
12.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sebastian
In Sebastian, FL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $139,550 (2026 est.). At $157,923, the local median is 12.31% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sebastian: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sebastian Optometrist Pay Compares
Sebastian median: $157,923/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sebastian Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $161,806 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +12.31% more |
Optometrists in Sebastian, FL earn a median of $157,923 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.31% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.40% below the Florida state average of $161,806.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sebastian has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sebastian, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $157,923 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $156,670 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$129,438
2025 BLS Actual
$153,383
2026 Current Est.
$157,923
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Sebastian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,438 | Actual |
| 2020 | $132,583 | Actual |
| 2021 | $139,602 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,051 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,093 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,907 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,383 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,923 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,598 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sebastian metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $129,438 (2019) to $153,383 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $162,598 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,160 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sebastian 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) | $93,245 – $130,194 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $130,194 – $157,923 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $157,923 – $192,403 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $192,403 – $232,795 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Sebastian
A tight job market exists for optometrists in Sebastian, with only four practitioners currently employed in the area, contributing to the competitive nature of local salaries. The cost of living index stands at 100.8, slightly above the national average, which affects overall purchasing power. Employers across various settings influence pay scales, with private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups often offering the highest compensation, particularly those incorporating the OD/MD model that shares in surgical referral revenue. Conversely, retail optical chains generally provide lower salaries. Factors such as practice ownership, residency training in ocular disease, and the specific financial arrangements of private equity acquisitions can create significant disparities in earnings. Aspiring optometrists in Sebastian should look into establishing strong professional relationships within the community and considering continued education or specialization to enhance their value and negotiate better pay in this evolving field.
More salary data for Sebastian, 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 $153,383 for optometristsin the Sebastian 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 Sebastian 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