Optometrist Salary in Evansville, IN: $137,760 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Evansville, IN earns a median $137,760/year (≈ $66.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Evansville's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $150,511 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Indiana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the estimated optometrist salary in Evansville, IN, is projected to reach $137,760. This figure showcases a competitive landscape for eye care professionals, especially when considering the full compensation spectrum that ranges from $81,256 at the lower end (P10) to an impressive $176,515 at the top (P90). These numbers, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys, indicate a stable job market for optometrists in the region. Furthermore, the evolving OD/MD model for surgical co-management continues to enhance revenue opportunities, thereby impacting overall compensation. As such, Evansville's optometry sector demonstrates robust potential for growth and financial rewards, making it an appealing location for new graduates and seasoned professionals alike.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,256 | $39.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,042 | $53.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,760 | $66.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $164,242 | $78.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $176,515 | $84.86 |
Median Salary Position
2.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evansville
In Evansville, IN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $95,259 (2026 est.). At $137,760, the local median is 2.03% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Evansville: You'd be above the median
How Evansville Optometrist Pay Compares
Evansville median: $137,760/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Evansville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $138,871 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -2.03% less |
Optometrists in Evansville, IN earn a median of $137,760 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.03% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.80% below the Indiana state average of $138,871.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Evansville has a cost of living 8.47% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Evansville, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.528 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $137,760 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,511 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.26% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$166,350
2025 BLS Actual
$133,800
2026 Current Est.
$137,760
2019–2027 Growth
+-14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Evansville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $166,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $141,830 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,760 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,838 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Evansville metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew -19.6% from $166,350 (2019) to $133,800 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,838 by 2027 — a total increase of $-24,512 (-14.74%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evansville 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) | $81,256 – $111,042 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,042 – $137,760 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,760 – $164,242 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $164,242 – $176,515 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Evansville
With 40 optometrists currently practicing in Evansville, the local job market appears vibrant yet competitive. The cost of living index sits at 91.528, which provides a favorable environment for take-home pay as it is below the national average, enhancing disposable income for optometrists. Among employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups tend to offer higher salaries due to the ability to share surgical revenue, followed by retail optical chains like LensCrafters or Visionworks, which generally compensate less. Variations in pay are influenced by factors such as practice ownership equity, experience with residency training, and the trend of private practices being acquired by larger entities. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Evansville, strategies could include pursuing advanced residencies, specializing in ocular disease, or seeking positions within OD/MD settings that can tap into additional surgical revenue streams.
More salary data for Evansville, 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 $133,800 for optometristsin the Evansville 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
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