Optometrist Salary in Lenexa, KS: $127,940 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Lenexa, KS earns a median $127,940/year (≈ $61.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Lenexa's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $140,748 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Lenexa, Kansas, offers a competitive optometrist salary in Lenexa that reflects the evolving scope of practice within the state, including the management of glaucoma, prescription of oral medications, and certain laser procedures. The projected median annual compensation for optometrists in 2026 is $127,940, sitting below the national median of $140,612. Local salaries range significantly, from a lower level of $74,205 at the 10th percentile to as high as $195,658 for those in the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS estimates and adjusted based on regional cost factors, highlight the dynamic nature of the optometry job market in Lenexa, underscoring the opportunities available for qualified professionals driven by a strong practice framework and patient demand.
About the Lenexa Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,205 | $35.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,741 | $47.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,940 | $61.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,127 | $74.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $195,658 | $94.06 |
Median Salary Position
9.01% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lenexa
In Lenexa, KS, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $121,453 (2026 est.). At $127,940, the local median is 9.01% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lenexa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lenexa Optometrist Pay Compares
Lenexa median: $127,940/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lenexa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $127,812 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -9.01% less |
Optometrists in Lenexa, KS earn a median of $127,940 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.01% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.10% above the Kansas state average of $127,812.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lenexa 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.
Lenexa, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $127,940 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $140,748 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,863
2025 BLS Actual
$124,262
2026 Current Est.
$127,940
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Lenexa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,863 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,411 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,098 | Actual |
| 2022 | $114,272 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,976 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,465 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,262 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,940 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,727 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lenexa metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $104,863 (2019) to $124,262 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,727 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,864 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lenexa 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) | $74,205 – $99,741 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,741 – $127,940 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,940 – $154,127 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,127 – $195,658 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Lenexa
With only 12 optometrists currently employed in Lenexa, the local job market presents unique challenges and opportunities. The cost of living index in Lenexa stands at 90.9, which is favorable and enhances the purchasing power of optometrists, reflecting a cost-effective environment for both professionals and residents. Among various employers, private optometry practices tend to offer the highest compensation, especially for those with ownership stakes or advanced training in ocular disease, which can position them for increased earnings through shared revenue models. Conversely, retail chains like LensCrafters and Pearle Vision often provide lower wages but offer stable work conditions. For those looking to maximize their optometrist pay in Lenexa, strategies such as pursuing residency training or engaging in collaborative care in an OD/MD setting could significantly improve earning potential.
More salary data for Lenexa, 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 $124,262 for optometristsin the Lenexa 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 Lenexa 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