Optometrist Salary in Topeka, KS: $134,806 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Topeka, KS earns a median $134,806/year (≈ $64.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Topeka's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.8), that paycheck buys what $151,774 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% above the Kansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Topeka, Kansas, projected compensation for optometrists is expected to reach a median annual salary of $134,806 in 2026, which falls slightly below the national average of $140,612. Salary expectations here range significantly from $86,250 at the lower decile to $198,425 at the upper decile, reflecting factors such as practice type and clinical experience. Data derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys provides insights into local compensation trends, highlighting the potential revenue generated from the OD/MD model in surgical co-management, which can enhance earnings for optometrists working alongside ophthalmologists. This growth in the local optometry market may create opportunities for those seeking to increase their earnings through collaborative practices in Topeka.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,250 | $41.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $127,948 | $61.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,806 | $64.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $163,047 | $78.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $198,425 | $95.39 |
Median Salary Position
4.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Topeka
In Topeka, KS, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $112,175 (2026 est.). At $134,806, the local median is 4.13% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Topeka: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Topeka Optometrist Pay Compares
Topeka median: $134,806/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Topeka Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $127,778 | +5.50% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.13% less |
Optometrists in Topeka, KS earn a median of $134,806 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.13% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.50% above the Kansas state average of $127,778.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Topeka has a cost of living 11.18% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Topeka, KS has a cost-of-living index of 88.82 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $134,806 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $151,774 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.59% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,080
2025 BLS Actual
$130,930
2026 Current Est.
$134,806
2019–2027 Growth
+19.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,080 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,420 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,920 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,403 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,415 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,510 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,806 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,796 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Topeka metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 12.8% from $116,080 (2019) to $130,930 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,796 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,716 (19.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Topeka 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) | $86,250 – $127,948 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $127,948 – $134,806 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,806 – $163,047 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $163,047 – $198,425 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Topeka
The job market for optometrists in Topeka currently employs around 30 practitioners. The cost of living index for the area sits at 88.82, which is advantageous for purchasing power compared to national averages. This lower cost may allow optometrists to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while they earn competitive salaries. Among local employers, eye care practices that implement the OD/MD model tend to offer higher pay, particularly for those with residency training or experience in ocular disease. The disparity in earnings can also be attributed to practice ownership opportunities, with solo practitioners potentially increasing their income through equity stakes. Furthermore, onboarding and post-acquisition compensation structures in private equity-owned practices can affect overall salary expectations. To maximize earning potential in Topeka, professionals should consider developing specialized skills, pursuing additional training, and seeking positions within established ophthalmology practices.
More salary data for Topeka, 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 $130,930 for optometristsin the Topeka 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-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