Optometrist Salary in Columbus, IN: $136,784 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Columbus, IN earns a median $136,784/year (≈ $65.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $149,818 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists practicing in Columbus, Indiana, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $136,784. This figure, while slightly below the national average of $140,612, reflects the unique specialization within the state, where practitioners are able to engage in comprehensive eye care practices that include glaucoma management, prescribing oral medications, and performing certain laser procedures. The salary range for optometrists in Columbus varies significantly, from $79,335 at the 10th percentile to $190,552 at the 90th percentile. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional pricing, highlight the varied opportunities within the market, suggesting that those who pursue advanced training or align with specific practices may experience higher compensation.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,335 | $38.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,060 | $52.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,784 | $65.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,313 | $77.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $190,552 | $91.61 |
Median Salary Position
2.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, IN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $111,217 (2026 est.). At $136,784, the local median is 2.72% below the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be above the median
How Columbus Optometrist Pay Compares
Columbus median: $136,784/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $138,867 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -2.72% less |
Optometrists in Columbus, IN earn a median of $136,784 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.72% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.50% below the Indiana state average of $138,867.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $136,784 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $149,818 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,112
2025 BLS Actual
$132,852
2026 Current Est.
$136,784
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,112 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,836 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,916 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,171 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,948 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,852 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,784 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,833 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $112,112 (2019) to $132,852 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,833 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,721 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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) | $79,335 – $109,060 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,060 – $136,784 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,784 – $160,313 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,313 – $190,552 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Columbus
The job market for optometrists in Columbus features nine individuals currently employed in this field, indicating a relatively concentrated environment. With a cost of living index of 91.3, living expenses in Columbus are notably lower than the national average, providing a better purchasing power for optometrists in the area. Among the various employers, private optometry practices, especially those transitioning from private to private equity ownership, often offer competitive pay, while retail optical chains may lag behind. Variability in salaries within the field can be attributed to factors like practice ownership equity, geographic earnings discrepancies, and the presence of higher revenue-generating surgical models, such as those involving ophthalmologists. To maximize earnings in Columbus, recent graduates should focus on gaining experience in higher-paying environments and consider pursuing residency training, which can enhance their marketability and lead to substantial financial rewards.
More salary data for Columbus, IN:
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 $132,852 for optometristsin the Columbus 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 Columbus 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