Optometrist Salary in Indiana: $138,556 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Indiana's 43 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $138,556/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Indiana sits at BEA RPP 91.3 (9% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $151,759 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: South Bend ($138,360), Indianapolis ($137,590), Muncie ($136,755).
In 2026, the average median salary for optometrists in Indiana is projected to be $138,556, which is slightly below the national median of $140,612, indicating a difference of 1.5%. The highest-paying city is South Bend at $142,455, while Munster has the lowest average salary at $127,730, creating a salary gap of $14,725. This difference is often driven by local demand, cost of living, and healthcare market dynamics, with urban areas typically offering higher compensation due to greater patient volume and demand for services. Indiana’s optometrists must navigate state licensing requirements, which involve completing a Doctor of Optometry program and passing both national and state exams. The scope of practice laws also influence salary potential, particularly in prescribing medications and performing certain procedures. The state has a projected annual growth rate of 2.96% in optometry jobs, indicating a stable job market influenced by an aging population and increasing awareness of eye health. With a total of 881 optometrists employed across 43 metro areas, Indiana has a healthy outlook for this profession, especially in cities like Indianapolis ($141,663), Muncie ($140,803), Mishawaka ($140,626), and Carmel ($140,422), where salaries are competitive and job opportunities are expanding.
Indiana Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Indiana: $73,205 (lowest entry-level) to $221,663 (highest top earner)
Indiana vs National Average
Indiana optometrists earn 1.46% less than the national median ($-2,056/year difference).
Indiana Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Indiana range from $77,276 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $205,217 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $138,556. The Indiana median is $2,056 below the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $66.61/hr. Approximately 881 optometrists are employed across 43 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$99,293
2025 BLS Actual
$134,573
2026 Current Est.
$138,556
2019–2027 Growth
+43.7%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Indiana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,293 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,293 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,421 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,482 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,633 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,059 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,573 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,556 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,657 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Indiana metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 35.5% from $99,293 (2019) to $134,573 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,657 by 2027 — a total increase of $43,364 (43.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Indiana 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Indiana
Lowest Paying Cities in Indiana
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Munster | $127,730 |
| Avon | $130,486 |
| Brownsburg | $131,419 |
| Michigan City | $132,023 |
| Shelbyville | $132,219 |
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Indiana
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Indiana cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muncie | $140,803 | 91.3 | $154,220 |
| Mishawaka | $140,626 | 91.3 | $154,026 |
| Carmel | $140,422 | 91.3 | $153,803 |
| Noblesville | $140,363 | 91.3 | $153,738 |
| Terre Haute | $140,198 | 91.3 | $153,558 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Indiana
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $77,276 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $138,556 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $205,217 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Indiana metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 43 Cities in Indiana
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Bend | $142,455 |
| 2 | Indianapolis | $141,663 |
| 3 | Muncie | $140,803 |
| 4 | Mishawaka | $140,626 |
| 5 | Carmel | $140,422 |
| 6 | Noblesville | $140,363 |
| 7 | Terre Haute | $140,198 |
| 8 | Gary | $138,999 |
| 9 | Lafayette | $138,821 |
| 10 | Greenwood | $138,722 |
| 11 | Fishers | $138,494 |
| 12 | Evansville | $137,760 |
| 13 | Bloomington | $137,593 |
| 14 | Plainfield | $137,183 |
| 15 | Valparaiso | $136,935 |
| 16 | Columbus | $136,784 |
| 17 | Elkhart | $136,745 |
| 18 | Kokomo | $136,724 |
| 19 | West Lafayette | $136,650 |
| 20 | Westfield | $136,493 |
| 21 | Franklin | $136,471 |
| 22 | Schererville | $136,170 |
| 23 | Anderson | $135,690 |
| 24 | Richmond | $135,093 |
| 25 | Hammond | $135,030 |
| 26 | Marion | $134,166 |
| 27 | Portage | $134,091 |
| 28 | East Chicago | $134,026 |
| 29 | New Albany | $134,004 |
| 30 | Jeffersonville | $133,746 |
| 31 | Zionsville | $133,369 |
| 32 | Hobart | $133,315 |
| 33 | Fort Wayne | $133,220 |
| 34 | Merrillville | $133,164 |
| 35 | Granger | $133,121 |
| 36 | Lawrence | $132,809 |
| 37 | Goshen | $132,755 |
| 38 | Crown Point | $132,259 |
| 39 | Shelbyville | $132,219 |
| 40 | Michigan City | $132,023 |
| 41 | Brownsburg | $131,419 |
| 42 | Avon | $130,486 |
| 43 | Munster | $127,730 |
More Indiana Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced optometrists.
Compare Cities in Indiana
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Indiana in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Indiana?
How does Indiana optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Indiana?
How many optometrists are employed in Indiana?
Which Indiana city offers the best value for optometrists?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 optometrist compensation across Indiana. State averages are employment-weighted across 43 metro areas — larger metro areas with more optometristscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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