Optometrist Salary in Independence, KY: $124,572 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Independence, KY earns a median $124,572/year (≈ $59.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Independence's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $139,498 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Kentucky, the average optometrist salary stands at $124,572 for 2026, reflecting a competitive position compared to the national median of $140,612. Employers within the local market include private practices, retail optical chains, and ophthalmology groups, each offering distinct financial incentives. The salary range for optometrists here spans from $72,252 (P10) to $179,940 (P90), making it essential for professionals to understand the factors influencing these variances in pay. With local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, these figures highlight the opportunities and constraints unique to the Independence job market.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,252 | $34.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,380 | $48.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,572 | $59.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,522 | $71.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $179,940 | $86.51 |
Median Salary Position
11.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Independence
In Independence, KY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,688 (2026 est.). At $124,572, the local median is 11.41% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Independence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Independence Optometrist Pay Compares
Independence median: $124,572/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Independence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $125,577 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -11.41% less |
Optometrists in Independence, KY earn a median of $124,572 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.41% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.80% below the Kentucky state average of $125,577.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Independence 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.
Independence, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $124,572 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $139,498 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$102,103
2025 BLS Actual
$120,991
2026 Current Est.
$124,572
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,103 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,584 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,121 | Actual |
| 2022 | $111,264 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,818 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,083 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,991 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,572 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,260 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Independence metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $102,103 (2019) to $120,991 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,260 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,157 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Independence 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) | $72,252 – $100,380 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,380 – $124,572 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,572 – $149,522 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,522 – $179,940 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Independence
Understanding the specific employment landscape offers insight into the earning potential for optometrists in Independence. Currently, the city employs five optometrists, showcasing a niche market that may provide both opportunities and challenges. The cost-of-living index in Independence is 89.3, indicating a lower cost compared to the national average, which may enhance the real purchasing power for optometrists. Notably, compensation varies with practice ownership, training, and employer types. Generally, private practices or those with additional affiliations with ophthalmologists may offer higher salaries due to shared revenue from surgical referrals. To maximize income in this market, optometrists should consider pursuing residency training, particularly in ocular disease, which could lead to enhanced earning potential. Engaging with independent practice models may also yield greater financial rewards compared to retail chain employment, which has become less lucrative as firms consolidate.
More salary data for Independence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Independence, KY in 2026?
Is Independence, KY a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Independence?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Independence?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Independence?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 $120,991 for optometristsin the Independence 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 Independence 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