Optometrist Salary in Jeffersontown, KY: $119,203 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Jeffersontown, KY earns a median $119,203/year (≈ $57.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Jeffersontown's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $133,486 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jeffersontown, Kentucky, the salary landscape for optometrists reflects key trends in the healthcare market, particularly within the OD/MD model that incorporates surgical co-management revenue. For 2026, optometrists can expect a median annual salary of $119,203, while earnings range from $69,138 at the 10th percentile to as high as $173,257 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data along with regional price adjustments, emphasizing the local economic context. While the reported compensation is significant, professionals in Jeffersontown may find their earnings somewhat lower than the national median of $140,612. This situation offers insights into how varying employment settings and practice models within the region influence overall compensation.
About the Jeffersontown Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,138 | $33.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96,913 | $46.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $119,203 | $57.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $144,001 | $69.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $173,257 | $83.29 |
Median Salary Position
15.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jeffersontown
In Jeffersontown, KY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $104,119 (2026 est.). At $119,203, the local median is 15.23% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jeffersontown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jeffersontown Optometrist Pay Compares
Jeffersontown median: $119,203/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jeffersontown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $125,609 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -15.23% less |
Optometrists in Jeffersontown, KY earn a median of $119,203 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.23% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.10% below the Kentucky state average of $125,609.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jeffersontown 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.
Jeffersontown, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $119,203 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $133,486 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,702
2025 BLS Actual
$115,776
2026 Current Est.
$119,203
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Jeffersontown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,702 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,076 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,374 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,468 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,783 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,425 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,776 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,203 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,731 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jeffersontown metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $97,702 (2019) to $115,776 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $122,731 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,029 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jeffersontown 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) | $69,138 – $96,913 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $96,913 – $119,203 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $119,203 – $144,001 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $144,001 – $173,257 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Jeffersontown
Analyzing the job market for optometrists in Jeffersontown reveals a modest number of employed professionals with only five optometrists currently practicing in the area. The local cost of living index stands at 89.3, which is below the national average, suggesting that take-home pay may stretch further in this market compared to higher-cost areas. Among different employers, those practicing in ophthalmology often yield the highest salaries as they capitalize on surgical referral revenues alongside optometric service offerings. Additionally, practitioners attached to DOD or VHA facilities may also see competitive pay. Variations in compensation are largely driven by factors such as practice ownership, experience gained through residency programs, and how clinics are structured—particularly those transitioning to private equity models. For those in Jeffersontown looking to maximize their earnings, exploring opportunities in surgical co-management or considering roles within ophthalmology practices may prove beneficial for future growth in their careers.
More salary data for Jeffersontown, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Jeffersontown, KY in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Jeffersontown?
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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 $115,776 for optometristsin the Jeffersontown 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 Jeffersontown 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