Optometrist Salary in Hammond, LA: $119,312 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Hammond, LA earns a median $119,312/year (≈ $57.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Hammond's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $132,128 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for optometrists in Hammond, Louisiana, stands at $119,312, which reflects a notable difference when compared to the national average of $140,612. The local salary range extends from $71,216 at the lower percentile (P10) to $168,662 for those at the top of the wage scale (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, paint a detailed picture of what optometrists can expect in this market. Factors such as surgical co-management revenue from OD/MD collaborations add a significant element to overall compensation, creating opportunities beyond traditional patient care settings. With only four optometrists currently working in the area, the job market remains relatively tight, potentially influencing both competition and earnings.
About the Hammond Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,216 | $34.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,939 | $47.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $119,312 | $57.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,264 | $68.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $168,662 | $81.09 |
Median Salary Position
15.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hammond
In Hammond, LA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $97,446 (2026 est.). At $119,312, the local median is 15.15% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hammond: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hammond Optometrist Pay Compares
Hammond median: $119,312/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hammond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $126,928 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -15.15% less |
Optometrists in Hammond, LA earn a median of $119,312 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.15% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.00% below the Louisiana state average of $126,928.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hammond 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.
Hammond, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $119,312 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $132,128 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,792
2025 BLS Actual
$115,882
2026 Current Est.
$119,312
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hammond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,792 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,167 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,471 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,565 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,885 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,519 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,882 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,312 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,844 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hammond metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $97,792 (2019) to $115,882 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $122,844 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,052 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hammond 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) | $71,216 – $98,939 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,939 – $119,312 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $119,312 – $142,264 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,264 – $168,662 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Hammond
Examining the local landscape further reveals that Hammond has a cost-of-living index of 90.3, indicating an affordability advantage compared to the national average. This lower living cost can enhance take-home pay for optometrists, thereby improving their overall financial situation. Among local employers, optometrists may find the highest compensation opportunities through ophthalmology practices that utilize an OD/MD model, which allows for shared surgical referral revenues. Salary variations can arise from factors such as ownership equity in private practices, type of employment setting, and additional expertise from residency training in ocular diseases. Optometrists in Hammond looking to maximize their pay should consider aligning themselves with ophthalmology partners or enhancing their qualifications with residency programs, as these strategies can provide better compensation and job security in the evolving healthcare market in LA.
More salary data for Hammond, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Hammond?
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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 $115,882 for optometristsin the Hammond 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 Hammond 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