Optometrist Salary in Leavenworth, KS: $124,999 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Leavenworth, KS earns a median $124,999/year (≈ $60.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Leavenworth's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $137,513 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average optometrist salary in Leavenworth, Kansas, is projected to be $124,999, which is notably lower than the national median of $140,612. The local compensation range highlights the diversity of roles available, with salaries starting at $72,499 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $184,727 for those at the top of the pay scale. This pay structure allows for different avenues within the practice of optometry, including practice ownership, employed associate roles, and positions within retail optical chains. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price considerations, point to a stable job market for the eight optometrists currently employed in the area, emphasizing the unique dynamics of Leavenworth's optometric landscape.
About the Leavenworth Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,499 | $34.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,506 | $47.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,999 | $60.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $147,882 | $71.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $184,727 | $88.81 |
Median Salary Position
11.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leavenworth
In Leavenworth, KS, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $112,228 (2026 est.). At $124,999, the local median is 11.1% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Leavenworth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Leavenworth Optometrist Pay Compares
Leavenworth median: $124,999/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Leavenworth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $127,810 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -11.10% less |
Optometrists in Leavenworth, KS earn a median of $124,999 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.10% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.20% below the Kansas state average of $127,810.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Leavenworth has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Leavenworth, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $124,999 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $137,513 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,452
2025 BLS Actual
$121,405
2026 Current Est.
$124,999
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Leavenworth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,452 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,941 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,497 | Actual |
| 2022 | $111,644 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,218 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,787 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,405 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,999 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,699 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Leavenworth metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $102,452 (2019) to $121,405 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,699 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,247 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leavenworth 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) | $72,499 – $98,506 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,506 – $124,999 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,999 – $147,882 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $147,882 – $184,727 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Leavenworth
When evaluating optometrist pay in Leavenworth KS, the cost-of-living index at 90.9 suggests a more favorable living situation compared to national averages, enhancing purchasing power for eye care professionals. Although there are various channels of employment, such as private practices and retail optical giants, the most lucrative opportunities tend to arise from private groups and ophthalmology partnerships that often share in surgical referrals. The variance in pay is influenced by factors such as ownership stakes, specialty training, and operational models—private equity ownership can further complicate compensation structures. For those eager to maximize their earnings, focusing on residency training, establishing connections within the local ophthalmology networks, and considering practice ownership can be key strategies in capitalizing on the evolving landscape of optometry in Leavenworth.
More salary data for Leavenworth, KS:
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 $121,405 for optometristsin the Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth 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