Optometrist Salary in Natchitoches, LA: $118,653 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Natchitoches, LA earns a median $118,653/year (≈ $57.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Natchitoches's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $131,399 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Natchitoches, Louisiana, is projected to be $118,653 annually, reflecting a nuanced job market influenced by structural choices among practices. Optometrists can expect a salary range from $73,005 to $166,785, highlighting the variability depending on whether they operate private practices, join retail chains, or work as associates. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities showcase the challenges and opportunities in Natchitoches's job market. Factors such as practice ownership, readiness to work alongside ophthalmologists, and the choice between employment in retail settings versus private practices can greatly influence compensation levels for optometrists in the area.
About the Natchitoches Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,005 | $35.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,260 | $48.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $118,653 | $57.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $136,244 | $65.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $166,785 | $80.19 |
Median Salary Position
15.62% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Natchitoches
In Natchitoches, LA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $93,780 (2026 est.). At $118,653, the local median is 15.62% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Natchitoches: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Natchitoches Optometrist Pay Compares
Natchitoches median: $118,653/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Natchitoches Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $127,038 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -15.62% less |
Optometrists in Natchitoches, LA earn a median of $118,653 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.62% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.60% below the Louisiana state average of $127,038.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Natchitoches 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.
Natchitoches, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $118,653 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $131,399 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,252
2025 BLS Actual
$115,242
2026 Current Est.
$118,653
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Natchitoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,252 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,614 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,888 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,977 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,268 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,947 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,242 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,653 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,165 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Natchitoches metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $97,252 (2019) to $115,242 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $122,165 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,913 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Natchitoches 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) | $73,005 – $100,260 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,260 – $118,653 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $118,653 – $136,244 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $136,244 – $166,785 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Natchitoches
The local job market currently employs six optometrists, which signals both limited competition and potential opportunities for those entering the field. With a cost-of-living index of 90.3, optometrists in Natchitoches can enjoy a favorable purchasing power relative to their salaries. Among various employers in the area, private optometry practices tend to offer higher pay compared to retail optical chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision, although the latter may provide more consistent hours. The disparity in earnings can often be attributed to factors such as ownership stakes, collaborations with ophthalmology partners, and market demands. For aspiring optometrists or those currently working in Natchitoches, developing specialized skills—such as ocular disease management or completing a residency—could enhance salary prospects significantly. In this specific market, considering the balance between job satisfaction and financial gain is crucial.
More salary data for Natchitoches, LA:
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 $115,242 for optometristsin the Natchitoches 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 Natchitoches 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