Optometrist Salary in Kansas: $128,408 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Kansas's 22 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $128,408/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Kansas sits at BEA RPP 90.9 (9% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $141,263 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Kansas City ($139,461), Topeka ($130,930), Overland Park ($126,171).
In Kansas, the average median salary for optometrists in 2026 is projected to be $128,408, which falls below the national median of $140,612, representing a gap of 8.7%. The highest-paying city in the state is Kansas City, where optometrists can expect to earn $143,589, while those in Emporia earn the lowest average salary at $117,999. This $25,590 difference can be attributed to factors such as regional demand, practice settings, and the concentration of healthcare facilities. Kansas optometrists must comply with state licensing requirements, which include completion of an accredited optometry program and passing national and state exams. The state's scope of practice laws also influence salary potential, as more extensive practices can lead to higher earnings. Demand for optometry services remains strong, with a projected annual growth rate of 2.96% according to 2025 BLS data, reflecting ongoing needs for eye care in various communities. The projected salaries in other cities reveal variations as well, with Topeka at $134,806, Overland Park at $129,906, Lawrence at $129,247, and Manhattan at $128,528. This data indicates a steady demand and provides insight into earning potential across the state’s metropolitan areas.
Kansas Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Kansas: $69,912 (lowest entry-level) to $213,296 (highest top earner)
Kansas vs National Average
Kansas optometrists earn 8.68% less than the national median ($-12,204/year difference).
Kansas Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Kansas range from $79,065 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $192,897 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $128,408. The Kansas median is $12,204 below the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $61.74/hr. Approximately 377 optometrists are employed across 22 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$105,440
2025 BLS Actual
$124,716
2026 Current Est.
$128,408
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Kansas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,440 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,350 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,685 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,320 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,090 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,731 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,716 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,408 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,208 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kansas metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.3% from $105,440 (2019) to $124,716 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $132,208 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,768 (25.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kansas 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Kansas
Lowest Paying Cities in Kansas
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Emporia | $117,999 |
| Gardner | $118,528 |
| Liberal | $119,210 |
| Hays | $119,671 |
| Prairie Village | $120,028 |
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Kansas
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Kansas cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | $143,589 | 90.9 | $157,964 |
| Topeka | $134,806 | 88.82 | $151,774 |
| Wichita | $127,609 | 88.946 | $143,468 |
| Overland Park | $129,906 | 90.9 | $142,911 |
| Lawrence | $129,247 | 90.9 | $142,186 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Kansas
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $79,065 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $128,408 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $192,897 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Kansas metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 22 Cities in Kansas
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kansas City | $143,589 |
| 2 | Topeka | $134,806 |
| 3 | Overland Park | $129,906 |
| 4 | Lawrence | $129,247 |
| 5 | Manhattan | $128,528 |
| 6 | Olathe | $128,253 |
| 7 | Lenexa | $127,940 |
| 8 | Wichita | $127,609 |
| 9 | Garden City | $126,674 |
| 10 | Derby | $126,041 |
| 11 | Hutchinson | $125,039 |
| 12 | Leavenworth | $124,999 |
| 13 | Shawnee | $124,600 |
| 14 | Salina | $123,680 |
| 15 | Leawood | $122,995 |
| 16 | Dodge City | $120,922 |
| 17 | Junction City | $120,537 |
| 18 | Prairie Village | $120,028 |
| 19 | Hays | $119,671 |
| 20 | Liberal | $119,210 |
| 21 | Gardner | $118,528 |
| 22 | Emporia | $117,999 |
More Kansas Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced optometrists.
Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Kansas in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Kansas?
How does Kansas optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Kansas?
How many optometrists are employed in Kansas?
Which Kansas city offers the best value for optometrists?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 optometrist compensation across Kansas. State averages are employment-weighted across 22 metro areas — larger metro areas with more optometristscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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