Optometrist Salary in Alexandria, LA: $121,366 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Alexandria, LA earns a median $121,366/year (≈ $58.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Alexandria's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $134,403 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alexandria, Louisiana, the 2026 median annual salary for optometrists is projected to be $121,366, illustrating a competitive position relative to the national median of $140,612. The local salary range varies significantly from $71,003 at the 10th percentile to $173,688 at the 90th percentile, indicating a broad spectrum of earning potential within the field. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data along with regional cost adjustments. The unique OD/MD model that promotes surgical co-management in collaboration with ophthalmologists can enhance overall compensation, making Alexandria an attractive option for new and experienced optometrists alike.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,003 | $34.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96,968 | $46.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $121,366 | $58.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $144,962 | $69.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $173,688 | $83.50 |
Median Salary Position
13.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alexandria
In Alexandria, LA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,685 (2026 est.). At $121,366, the local median is 13.69% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alexandria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alexandria Optometrist Pay Compares
Alexandria median: $121,366/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alexandria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $126,952 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -13.69% less |
Optometrists in Alexandria, LA earn a median of $121,366 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.69% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.40% below the Louisiana state average of $126,952.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alexandria has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alexandria, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $121,366 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $134,403 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,475
2025 BLS Actual
$117,877
2026 Current Est.
$121,366
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,475 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,892 | Actual |
| 2021 | $107,286 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,812 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,301 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,877 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $121,366 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,959 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alexandria metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $99,475 (2019) to $117,877 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $124,959 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,484 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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) | $71,003 – $96,968 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $96,968 – $121,366 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $121,366 – $144,962 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $144,962 – $173,688 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Alexandria
The optometrist job market in Alexandria employs nine professionals, which reflects a concentrated sector within the region. With a cost-of-living index of 90.3, living expenses in this city are lower than the national average, allowing optometrists to maximize their purchasing power, crucial for those negotiating their compensation packages. Among local employers, private practices offering the OD/MD model typically pay more due to surgical revenue sharing, while retail chains may present lower salary scales. This salary spread is influenced by practice ownership, targeted residency training, and employment structures, particularly following acquisitions by private equity firms. To improve earning potential, optometrists in Alexandria might consider pursuing advanced residencies or partnering within surgical co-management setups, which can facilitate increased revenue streams and career growth opportunities in this dynamic local market.
More salary data for Alexandria, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Alexandria?
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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 $117,877 for optometristsin the Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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