Optometrist Salary in Monroe, LA: $122,440 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Monroe, LA earns a median $122,440/year (≈ $58.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Monroe's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $135,592 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Monroe, Louisiana, the structure of optometry practice significantly influences compensation, with a median annual salary projected at $122,440 for 2026. This figure demonstrates a competitive market position, despite being approximately 12.92% below the national median of $140,612. Local salaries range from $73,392 at the 10th percentile to $177,297 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the various opportunities within private practices, retail chains, and potential collaborative models with ophthalmologists. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments indicate that employment options for optometrists in Monroe are diverse, impacting overall earning potential and job accessibility in the area.
About the Monroe Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,392 | $35.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,848 | $48.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,440 | $58.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $147,507 | $70.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $177,297 | $85.24 |
Median Salary Position
12.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Monroe
In Monroe, LA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $103,905 (2026 est.). At $122,440, the local median is 12.92% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Monroe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Monroe Optometrist Pay Compares
Monroe median: $122,440/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Monroe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $127,012 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -12.92% less |
Optometrists in Monroe, LA earn a median of $122,440 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.92% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.60% below the Louisiana state average of $127,012.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Monroe 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.
Monroe, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $122,440 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,592 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,355
2025 BLS Actual
$118,920
2026 Current Est.
$122,440
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Monroe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,355 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,793 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,236 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,359 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,819 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,233 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,920 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,440 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $126,064 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Monroe metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $100,355 (2019) to $118,920 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $126,064 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,709 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Monroe 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) | $73,392 – $101,848 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,848 – $122,440 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,440 – $147,507 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $147,507 – $177,297 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Monroe
Analyzing the job market in Monroe reveals there are currently seven optometrists employed locally, illustrating a compact community for eye care professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 90.3, the economic landscape suggests a moderate lifestyle that can enhance take-home purchasing power compared to national averages. Among employers, private optometry practices and collaborative models with ophthalmology firms might offer higher salaries due to shared revenue from surgical referrals, while retail optical chains may provide more stable but potentially lower compensation. Factors like residency training, particularly in ocular disease or other specialties, can also play a crucial role in salary negotiations. Prospective optometrists aiming for higher pay in this market should consider gaining additional certifications, networking within local associations, and exploring ownership opportunities to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Monroe, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Monroe?
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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 $118,920 for optometristsin the Monroe 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 Monroe 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