Optometrist Salary in Leawood, KS: $122,995 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Leawood, KS earns a median $122,995/year (≈ $59.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Leawood's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $135,308 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Leawood, Kansas, the projected compensation for optometrists in 2026 is notably set at $122,995, which represents a substantial differential when compared to the national average of $140,612. The local salary range spans from $73,433 at the 10th percentile to $177,910 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse job market influenced by various practice structures. Optometrists in Leawood may choose to pursue practice ownership, join local private practices, or work with retail chains, each avenue offering distinct financial outcomes. Understanding these choices is crucial for those considering how much optometrists make in Leawood, especially given the area's relatively strong demand for eye care amid a growing population.
About the Leawood Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,433 | $35.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,265 | $47.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,995 | $59.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $147,780 | $71.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $177,910 | $85.53 |
Median Salary Position
12.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leawood
In Leawood, KS, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $104,477 (2026 est.). At $122,995, the local median is 12.53% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Leawood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Leawood Optometrist Pay Compares
Leawood median: $122,995/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Leawood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $127,853 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -12.53% less |
Optometrists in Leawood, KS earn a median of $122,995 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.53% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.80% below the Kansas state average of $127,853.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Leawood 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.
Leawood, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $122,995 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,308 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,810
2025 BLS Actual
$119,459
2026 Current Est.
$122,995
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Leawood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,810 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,259 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,726 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,855 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,339 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,963 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,459 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,995 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $126,636 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Leawood metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $100,810 (2019) to $119,459 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $126,636 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,826 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leawood 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) | $73,433 – $99,265 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,265 – $122,995 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,995 – $147,780 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $147,780 – $177,910 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Leawood
The local job market for optometrists is relatively limited, with only five professionals currently employed in the area, which can impact both job security and salary dynamics. Leawood's cost-of-living index sits at 90.9, slightly below the national average, which may enhance take-home purchasing power for residents. Among the employers in the region, private practices generally offer the most competitive compensation, especially those in the OD/MD model that can generate additional revenue through surgical referral partnerships. The disparity in earnings can be attributed to several factors including ownership stakes, the extent of residency training, and the specific terms negotiated in contracts with private equity-owned practices. Those looking to maximize their optometrist pay in Leawood, KS, should consider pursuing residency training in ocular disease or exploring opportunities with ophthalmology practices, as these routes could lead to higher salaries and increased job satisfaction.
More salary data for Leawood, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Leawood?
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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 $119,459 for optometristsin the Leawood 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 Leawood 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