Optometrist Salary in Radcliff, KY: $120,493 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Radcliff, KY earns a median $120,493/year (≈ $57.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Radcliff's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $134,931 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Radcliff, KY, the 2026 median annual salary for optometrists is projected at $120,493, reflecting the city's evolving scope of practice that now includes glaucoma management, prescription of oral medications, and select laser procedures. Optometrists here can expect to earn between $69,887 at the 10th percentile to as much as $167,939 at the 90th percentile, indicating potential for significant salary growth based on experience and specialization. These figures are adapted from state-level BLS estimates and consider local economic factors, highlighting a markedly lower compensation compared to the national median of $140,612. This salary dynamic places Radcliff in a unique position where competitive pricing in health care may influence overall job availability and market entry into optometry.
About the Radcliff Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,887 | $33.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,343 | $47.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $120,493 | $57.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,281 | $68.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $167,939 | $80.74 |
Median Salary Position
14.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Radcliff
In Radcliff, KY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $98,052 (2026 est.). At $120,493, the local median is 14.31% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Radcliff: You'd be above the median
How Radcliff Optometrist Pay Compares
Radcliff median: $120,493/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Radcliff Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $125,514 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -14.31% less |
Optometrists in Radcliff, KY earn a median of $120,493 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.31% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.00% below the Kentucky state average of $125,514.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Radcliff 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.
Radcliff, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $120,493 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $134,931 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,760
2025 BLS Actual
$117,029
2026 Current Est.
$120,493
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Radcliff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,760 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,159 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,515 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,620 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,993 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,543 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,029 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,493 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,060 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Radcliff metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $98,760 (2019) to $117,029 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $124,060 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,300 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Radcliff 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) | $69,887 – $98,343 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,343 – $120,493 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $120,493 – $142,281 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,281 – $167,939 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Radcliff
The job market for optometrists in Radcliff is developing, with only four optometrists currently practicing in the area. Given the cost-of-living index of 89.3, which is below the national average, the purchasing power for optometrists in this locale is promising, allowing for an attractive lifestyle despite lower base salaries compared to the national average. To maximize earnings, optometrists should consider roles within private practices, where higher compensation often stems from ownership equity or unique revenue-sharing arrangements with ophthalmologists. Retail optical chains, though declining due to consolidation trends, continue to offer stable employment opportunities, but wages may not match those found in private settings. Additionally, pursuing residency training, particularly in ocular disease or aligning with VA pathways, can enhance salary potential in Radcliff. Focusing on specialized training, understanding local market dynamics, and seeking diverse employment arrangements will allow aspiring optometrists to maximize their pay in this area.
More salary data for Radcliff, 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 $117,029 for optometristsin the Radcliff 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 Radcliff 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