Optometrist Salary in Kentucky: $135,442 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Kentucky's 21 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $135,442/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Kentucky sits at BEA RPP 89.3 (11% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $151,671 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Lexington ($139,060), Louisville/Jefferson County ($135,720), Louisville ($132,962).
For those considering a career as an optometrist in Kentucky, the projected average median salary in 2026 is $135,442, which is approximately 3.7% below the national median of $140,612. Salary varies significantly across the state, with Lexington offering the highest average at $143,176, while Ashland presents the lowest at $108,024, reflecting a difference of $35,152. This disparity can be attributed to factors such as population density, demand for optometric services, and the local economic environment. Kentucky's licensing requirements necessitate completion of an accredited optometry program and passing national and state board examinations. The scope of practice laws in the state are relatively expansive, allowing optometrists to engage in various patient care activities. The current total employment for optometrists in Kentucky stands at 516, and the profession is expected to grow at an annual rate of 2.96%. Cities like Louisville/Jefferson County and Owensboro also offer competitive salaries, with projected figures of $139,737 and $126,593, respectively. This growth reflects a steady demand for eye care services, driven by an aging population and increased awareness of vision health.
Kentucky Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Kentucky: $62,653 (lowest entry-level) to $285,055 (highest top earner)
Kentucky vs National Average
Kentucky optometrists earn 3.68% less than the national median ($-5,170/year difference).
Kentucky Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Kentucky range from $86,560 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $205,214 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $135,442. The Kentucky median is $5,170 below the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $65.11/hr. Approximately 516 optometrists are employed across 21 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$105,318
2025 BLS Actual
$131,548
2026 Current Est.
$135,442
2019–2027 Growth
+32.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Kentucky (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,318 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,450 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,573 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,020 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,631 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,696 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,548 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,442 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,451 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kentucky metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 24.9% from $105,318 (2019) to $131,548 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,451 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,133 (32.41%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kentucky 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 Kentucky
Lowest Paying Cities in Kentucky
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Ashland | $108,024 |
| Murray | $117,442 |
| Jeffersontown | $119,203 |
| Paducah | $119,349 |
| Madisonville | $119,624 |
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Kentucky
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Kentucky cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington | $143,176 | 92.889 | $154,137 |
| Louisville | $136,898 | 89.3 | $153,301 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County | $139,737 | 93.074 | $150,135 |
| Owensboro | $126,593 | 89.3 | $141,761 |
| Independence | $124,572 | 89.3 | $139,498 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $86,560 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $135,442 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $205,214 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Kentucky metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 21 Cities in Kentucky
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lexington | $143,176 |
| 2 | Louisville/Jefferson County | $139,737 |
| 3 | Louisville | $136,898 |
| 4 | Owensboro | $126,593 |
| 5 | Independence | $124,572 |
| 6 | Bowling Green | $124,455 |
| 7 | Florence | $124,426 |
| 8 | Covington | $123,900 |
| 9 | Nicholasville | $123,666 |
| 10 | Richmond | $123,636 |
| 11 | Frankfort | $123,003 |
| 12 | Henderson | $122,798 |
| 13 | Elizabethtown | $122,711 |
| 14 | Hopkinsville | $122,360 |
| 15 | Radcliff | $120,493 |
| 16 | Georgetown | $120,070 |
| 17 | Madisonville | $119,624 |
| 18 | Paducah | $119,349 |
| 19 | Jeffersontown | $119,203 |
| 20 | Murray | $117,442 |
| 21 | Ashland | $108,024 |
More Kentucky Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore optometrist hourly pay in Kentucky cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new optometrists.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced optometrists.
Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Kentucky in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Kentucky?
How does Kentucky optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Kentucky?
How many optometrists are employed in Kentucky?
Which Kentucky 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 Kentucky. State averages are employment-weighted across 21 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