Optometrist Salary in Hammond, IN: $135,030 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Hammond, IN earns a median $135,030/year (≈ $64.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Hammond's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $147,897 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, earning potential for optometrists in Hammond, Indiana, reflects a vibrant job market with a median annual salary of $135,030, slightly below the national average of $140,612. The salary range offers a broad spectrum from $78,318 at the tenth percentile to $203,368 at the ninetieth percentile, showcasing significant earning potential depending on individual circumstances. Local estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, indicate that the compensation landscape is influenced by structural choices such as practice ownership, employment as associates, or affiliations with retail optical chains. Understanding these dynamics can provide insights for aspiring optometrists in Hammond regarding their professional decisions and potential career paths.
About the Hammond Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,318 | $37.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,743 | $52.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,030 | $64.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $166,246 | $79.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $203,368 | $97.77 |
Median Salary Position
3.97% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hammond
In Hammond, IN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $125,050 (2026 est.). At $135,030, the local median is 3.97% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hammond: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hammond Optometrist Pay Compares
Hammond median: $135,030/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hammond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $138,777 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -3.97% less |
Optometrists in Hammond, IN earn a median of $135,030 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.97% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.70% below the Indiana state average of $138,777.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hammond 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.
Hammond, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $135,030 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,897 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,674
2025 BLS Actual
$131,148
2026 Current Est.
$135,030
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hammond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,674 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,363 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,365 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,604 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,625 | Actual |
| 2024 | $115,449 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,148 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,030 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,027 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hammond metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $110,674 (2019) to $131,148 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,027 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,353 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hammond 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) | $78,318 – $108,743 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,743 – $135,030 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,030 – $166,246 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $166,246 – $203,368 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Hammond
With approximately 20 optometrists currently employed in the Hammond area, the local market exhibits a unique strength in providing opportunities for practitioners. The cost of living index sits at a favorable 91.3, indicating that purchasing power in the region could be more advantageous compared to higher-cost urban centers. Among employers, private optometry practices tend to offer the most competitive salaries, often linked to practice ownership and the ability to share in surgical referral revenues when collaborating with ophthalmologists. The disparity in pay can also be attributed to factors such as residency training in ocular disease, which enhances skill sets and marketability. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Hammond, pursuing additional certifications or aligning with high-growth employers, including VA medical centers or military health systems, can significantly bolster their earning potential and career advancement.
More salary data for Hammond, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Hammond, IN in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Hammond?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Hammond?
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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 $131,148 for optometristsin the Hammond 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 Hammond 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