Optometrist Salary in New Orleans, LA: $140,232 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in New Orleans, LA earns a median $140,232/year (≈ $67.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in New Orleans's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.6), that paycheck buys what $151,443 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.4% above the Louisiana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in New Orleans, LA, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $140,232, which is slightly below the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in the region varies significantly, with the lowest earners making approximately $52,654, while those at the higher end of the spectrum may earn up to $204,901. This data, drawn from the 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, reflects the competitive nature of the local job market. The state's expanded scope of practice, including glaucoma management, oral medications, and specific laser procedures, enhances the value of optometrists, adding to their earning potential as they deliver comprehensive care and treatment across various settings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,654 | $25.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,905 | $54.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,232 | $67.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $171,531 | $82.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $204,901 | $98.51 |
Median Salary Position
0.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Orleans
In New Orleans, LA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $152,247 (2026 est.). At $140,232, the local median is 0.27% below the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in New Orleans: You'd be above the median
How New Orleans Optometrist Pay Compares
New Orleans median: $140,232/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Orleans Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $127,021 | +10.40% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -0.27% less |
Optometrists in New Orleans, LA earn a median of $140,232 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.27% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 10.40% above the Louisiana state average of $127,021.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Orleans has a cost of living 7.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Orleans, LA has a cost-of-living index of 92.597 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $140,232 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $151,443 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,540
2025 BLS Actual
$136,200
2026 Current Est.
$140,232
2019–2027 Growth
+88.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in New Orleans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,550 | Actual |
| 2021 | $112,940 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,710 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,710 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,200 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,232 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,382 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Orleans metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 77.9% from $76,540 (2019) to $136,200 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,382 by 2027 — a total increase of $67,842 (88.64%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Orleans 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) | $52,654 – $113,905 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,905 – $140,232 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,232 – $171,531 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $171,531 – $204,901 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in New Orleans
Looking at the local employment landscape reveals that New Orleans employs about 50 optometrists, contributing to a dynamic market backdrop. The cost-of-living index is notably low at 92.597, suggesting better purchasing power for optometrists in terms of local expenses. Employers like private practices and ophthalmology groups tend to offer the highest compensation, particularly for those working under an OD/MD model, which allows for shared revenue from surgical referrals. The disparity in optometrist pay in New Orleans is influenced by factors such as practice ownership, residency training, and market demand, as recent trends show a decline in retail employment following private practice acquisitions. For those looking to optimize compensation, pursuing specialization through residency training and exploring opportunities in private practice or advanced collaborative models may prove beneficial in this evolving market.
More salary data for New Orleans, 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 $136,200 for optometristsin the New Orleans 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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