Optometrist Salary in New Albany, IN: $134,004 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in New Albany, IN earns a median $134,004/year (≈ $64.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in New Albany's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $146,773 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Albany, Indiana, the projected median annual salary for optometrists is set at $134,004 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $140,612. This figure reflects a competitive local market where optometrists can earn between $77,722 and $194,646, based on factors such as employment type and experience. Choices between practice ownership, being an associate in private settings, or working within retail chains greatly influence potential earnings. The local market data, derived from 2025 BLS estimates and adjusted for regional cost factors, highlights that those in more autonomous or surgical environments, such as private practices or ODs collaborating with ophthalmologists, will likely reach the upper echelons of the salary spectrum compared to those in retail chains.
About the New Albany Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,722 | $37.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,659 | $52.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,004 | $64.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $161,502 | $77.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $194,646 | $93.58 |
Median Salary Position
4.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Albany
In New Albany, IN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,924 (2026 est.). At $134,004, the local median is 4.7% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Albany: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Albany Optometrist Pay Compares
New Albany median: $134,004/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Albany Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $138,865 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.70% less |
Optometrists in New Albany, IN earn a median of $134,004 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.70% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.50% below the Indiana state average of $138,865.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Albany 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.
New Albany, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $134,004 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $146,773 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,834
2025 BLS Actual
$130,152
2026 Current Est.
$134,004
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in New Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,834 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,502 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,459 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,688 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,663 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,572 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,152 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,004 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,971 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Albany metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $109,834 (2019) to $130,152 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,971 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,137 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Albany 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) | $77,722 – $108,659 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,659 – $134,004 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,004 – $161,502 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $161,502 – $194,646 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in New Albany
The job market for optometrists in New Albany is relatively stable, with just nine professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index of 91.3 indicates a lower than average expense level, enhancing the purchasing power of these salaries. Among the various employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups typically offer higher compensation, with the potential for income growth linked to practice ownership or advanced training in areas like ocular disease. Factors contributing to the income disparity include the operational model—whether a practice is retail-centric or independent—as well as any special training such as residencies that can command a premium. To maximize earnings, optometrists in New Albany are advised to consider obtaining additional certifications and exploring ownership opportunities, which enable them to reap the benefits of their practice's success while navigating this evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for New Albany, 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 $130,152 for optometristsin the New Albany 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 New Albany 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