Optometrist Salary in Lafayette, IN: $138,821 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Lafayette, IN earns a median $138,821/year (≈ $66.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Lafayette's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $148,583 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Indiana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Lafayette, Indiana, can anticipate a median annual salary of $138,821, slightly below the national average of $140,612. The salary range for this profession in the area varies widely, with the lowest 10 percent earning around $75,490, while the top 10 percent can command up to $199,073. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect not only the skillset required but also the expanded scope of practice for optometrists, including glaucoma management and the prescription of oral medications. As Lafayette continues to develop its healthcare framework, the demand for skilled optometrists remains robust, contributing to competitive salaries in the market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,490 | $36.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,396 | $52.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,821 | $66.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,865 | $77.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199,073 | $95.71 |
Median Salary Position
1.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lafayette
In Lafayette, IN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,583 (2026 est.). At $138,821, the local median is 1.27% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lafayette: You'd be above the median
How Lafayette Optometrist Pay Compares
Lafayette median: $138,821/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lafayette Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $140,612 | -1.27% less |
Optometrists in Lafayette, IN earn a median of $138,821 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.27% lower than the national median of $140,612.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lafayette has a cost of living 6.57% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lafayette, IN has a cost-of-living index of 93.43 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $138,821 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $148,583 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.03% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,782
2025 BLS Actual
$134,830
2026 Current Est.
$138,821
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,782 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,490 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,890 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,570 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,790 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,821 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,930 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lafayette metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $113,782 (2019) to $134,830 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,930 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,148 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lafayette 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) | $75,490 – $108,396 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,396 – $138,821 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,821 – $160,865 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,865 – $199,073 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Lafayette
The job market for optometrists in Lafayette is currently strong, with about 50 professionals employed in the area. Despite a cost-of-living index of 93.43, which suggests a more affordable environment for healthcare workers, how much do optometrists make in Lafayette can greatly differ depending on various factors. Optometrists employed within well-established private practices, especially those with ownership stakes or those practicing alongside ophthalmologists in OD/MD models, often earn higher salaries. On the other hand, retail optical chains may offer less lucrative compensation packages. Variability in pay also stems from factors such as specialization, residency training, and the nature of employment agreements, particularly in practices transitioning to private equity ownership. For those looking to maximize their optometrist pay in Lafayette, identifying opportunities in high-earning settings, pursuing residency training, and negotiating contracts effectively are critical strategies.
More salary data for Lafayette, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Lafayette?
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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 $134,830 for optometristsin the Lafayette 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, 6-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