Optometrist Salary in Henderson, KY: $122,798 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Henderson, KY earns a median $122,798/year (≈ $59.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Henderson's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $137,512 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Henderson, Kentucky is projected to reach a median of $122,798, offering a competitive advantage for those working within the OD/MD model of surgical co-management. This salary reflects a broad range that spans from $71,223 at the lowest end (P10) to $181,474 for those at the top (P90). These figures, obtained from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, indicate a substantial return for optometrists in the area despite the local compensation being approximately 12.67% lower than the national median of $140,612. Potential candidates in Henderson can leverage the evolving scope of practice and patient care models to maximize income opportunities as the job market continues to adapt to new trends.
About the Henderson Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,223 | $34.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,524 | $48.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,798 | $59.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,632 | $68.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $181,474 | $87.25 |
Median Salary Position
12.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Henderson
In Henderson, KY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $110,251 (2026 est.). At $122,798, the local median is 12.67% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Henderson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Henderson Optometrist Pay Compares
Henderson median: $122,798/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Henderson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $125,561 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -12.67% less |
Optometrists in Henderson, KY earn a median of $122,798 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.67% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.20% below the Kentucky state average of $125,561.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Henderson 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.
Henderson, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $122,798 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $137,512 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,649
2025 BLS Actual
$119,268
2026 Current Est.
$122,798
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Henderson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,649 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,094 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,552 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,679 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,155 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,544 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,268 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,798 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $126,433 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Henderson metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $100,649 (2019) to $119,268 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $126,433 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,784 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Henderson 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) | $71,223 – $101,524 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,524 – $122,798 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,798 – $142,632 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,632 – $181,474 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Henderson
A closer look at the employment landscape reveals that there are currently four optometrists in Henderson, which contributes to a competitive job market, albeit small. With a cost-of-living index of 89.3, those in the region will find their purchasing power relatively favorable when compared to national averages. Among local employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups often provide better compensation, particularly those utilizing the OD/MD collaborative model that allows for shared revenue from surgical referrals. Factors influencing the diverse salary range include practice ownership equity, residency training specializations, and the potential impact of the ongoing transition from privately-owned to private equity-acquired practices. To enhance their earning potential, aspiring optometrists in Henderson might consider pursuing residency training, aligning with profitable practices, and engaging in networked collaborations that tap into the rising demand for expanded optometric services.
More salary data for Henderson, KY:
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 $119,268 for optometristsin the Henderson 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 Henderson 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