Optometrist Salary in Richmond, KY: $123,636 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Richmond, KY earns a median $123,636/year (≈ $59.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Richmond's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $138,450 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Richmond, KY can anticipate a median annual salary of $123,636 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $140,612. Salaries in this field exhibit a wide range from $71,710 at the 10th percentile to as high as $172,370 at the 90th percentile, reflecting various factors such as practice ownership, specialization, and practice setting. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reveal insights into local compensation influenced by surgical co-management models and revenue-sharing opportunities many optometrists engage with to bolster their income. The job market for this profession is fairly niche in Richmond, where only five optometrists are currently employed, hinting at a specialized market that can impact salary expectations.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,710 | $34.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,469 | $47.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $123,636 | $59.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $147,276 | $70.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $172,370 | $82.87 |
Median Salary Position
12.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
In Richmond, KY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $100,660 (2026 est.). At $123,636, the local median is 12.07% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richmond: You'd be above the median
How Richmond Optometrist Pay Compares
Richmond median: $123,636/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richmond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $125,519 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -12.07% less |
Optometrists in Richmond, KY earn a median of $123,636 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.07% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $125,519.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richmond 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.
Richmond, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $123,636 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,450 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$101,336
2025 BLS Actual
$120,082
2026 Current Est.
$123,636
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,336 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,798 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,293 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,428 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,941 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,271 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,082 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,636 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,296 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richmond metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $101,336 (2019) to $120,082 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,296 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,960 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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) | $71,710 – $98,469 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,469 – $123,636 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $123,636 – $147,276 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $147,276 – $172,370 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Richmond
Richmond's cost-of-living index stands at 89.3, which is below the national average, meaning that while optometrist pay in Richmond, KY, appears lower compared to national figures, the purchasing power can be more favorable locally. Most lucrative opportunities exist in private optometry practices that pursue the OD/MD model, allowing for enhanced referrals and revenue through surgical management. In contrast, retail optical chains may offer more stability but typically at lower pay scales. Those aiming to maximize their optometrist salary in Richmond should consider residency training in ocular disease or developing partnerships with ophthalmology practices. Additionally, strategic networking and membership in organizations like the AOA can open doors for collaborations and professional growth, fortifying one’s position in a competitive local market.
More salary data for Richmond, 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 $120,082 for optometristsin the Richmond 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 Richmond 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