Optometrist Salary in Florence, KY: $124,426 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Florence, KY earns a median $124,426/year (≈ $59.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Florence's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $139,335 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Florence, KY, is projected to reach a median of $124,426, which reflects a significant yet modest decrease compared to the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in this region spans from $72,167 at the 10th percentile to $175,036 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living considerations. In Florence's competitive market, practice ownership models, employed associate positions, and retail chain roles each present distinct financial landscapes, affecting overall compensation. Specifically, optometrists who own practices may find opportunities for higher income through equity, while those in retail settings or employed by larger optometry groups may experience more stability but potentially lower pay.
About the Florence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,167 | $34.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,080 | $48.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,426 | $59.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $146,487 | $70.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $175,036 | $84.15 |
Median Salary Position
11.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Florence
In Florence, KY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,869 (2026 est.). At $124,426, the local median is 11.51% below the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Florence: You'd be above the median
How Florence Optometrist Pay Compares
Florence median: $124,426/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Florence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $125,556 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -11.51% less |
Optometrists in Florence, KY earn a median of $124,426 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.51% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% below the Kentucky state average of $125,556.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Florence has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Florence, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $124,426 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $139,335 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$101,983
2025 BLS Actual
$120,849
2026 Current Est.
$124,426
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,983 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,461 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,991 | Actual |
| 2022 | $111,133 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,681 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,956 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,849 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,426 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,109 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Florence metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $101,983 (2019) to $120,849 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,109 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,126 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Florence 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) | $72,167 – $100,080 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,080 – $124,426 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,426 – $146,487 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $146,487 – $175,036 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Florence
The local job market for optometrists in Florence appears to be stable, with seven professionals currently employed in the area. Given the cost-of-living index at 89.3, which is below the national average, optometrists may enjoy a favorable purchasing power despite salaries that lag behind national averages by 11.51%. In terms of potential employers, private optometry practices often yield higher wages, particularly for those with residency training in ocular disease. Retail chains, like LensCrafters and Pearle Vision, typically provide steady employment but may not offer the same salary benefits as independent practices. Factors contributing to the breadth in salary range include practice ownership equity, collaboration with ophthalmologists, and the influence of private equity on practice management. To maximize pay in this specific environment, aspiring optometrists should consider acquiring advanced training or pursuing ownership opportunities while remaining informed about the evolving landscape of corporate optometry.
More salary data for Florence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Florence?
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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 $120,849 for optometristsin the Florence 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 Florence 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