Optometrist Salary in Ruston, LA: $122,100 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Ruston, LA earns a median $122,100/year (≈ $58.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Ruston's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $135,216 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the evolving healthcare environment of Ruston, Louisiana, optometrists can anticipate a median annual salary of $122,100 in 2026. This figure represents a competitive compensation level when evaluated against the national median of $140,612, indicating a trend where local pay is approximately 13.17% lower than the national standard. Salaries in Ruston can vary significantly, ranging from $71,268 at the 10th percentile to as high as $170,969 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are informed by 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, which also accounts for regional price variations and the cost of living, which in Ruston currently sits below the national average. With Louisiana’s expanded optometric scope of practice, including glaucoma management and the prescription of oral medications, the financial prospects in the field appear promising, despite regional disparities in salary.
About the Ruston Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,268 | $34.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,981 | $48.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,100 | $58.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $144,305 | $69.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $170,969 | $82.19 |
Median Salary Position
13.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ruston
In Ruston, LA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $99,701 (2026 est.). At $122,100, the local median is 13.17% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ruston: You'd be above the median
How Ruston Optometrist Pay Compares
Ruston median: $122,100/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ruston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $126,923 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -13.17% less |
Optometrists in Ruston, LA earn a median of $122,100 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.17% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.80% below the Louisiana state average of $126,923.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ruston 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.
Ruston, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $122,100 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,216 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,077
2025 BLS Actual
$118,590
2026 Current Est.
$122,100
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Ruston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,077 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,508 | Actual |
| 2021 | $107,935 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,056 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,938 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,590 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,100 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,714 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ruston metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $100,077 (2019) to $118,590 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,714 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,637 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ruston 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) | $71,268 – $99,981 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,981 – $122,100 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,100 – $144,305 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $144,305 – $170,969 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Ruston
In Ruston, the demand for optometrists remains steady, with only four professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index of 90.3 suggests that, while salaries are slightly below the national average, spending power for optometrists is relatively favorable. Those seeking higher optometrist pay in Ruston LA should consider opportunities within private practice settings, which may offer better compensation compared to retail optical chains. Factors influencing the salary spectrum include ownership equity in private practices, the benefits of partnerships with ophthalmology practices, and the potential financial upside for residency-trained optometrists, particularly those with specialties in ocular disease. To maximize earnings, optometrists might explore practice ownership or associate roles in entities that allow for surgical referral revenue sharing. Engaging actively with professional organizations like the AOA and keeping abreast of local market trends can further boost both professional development and income potential in this market.
More salary data for Ruston, 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 $118,590 for optometristsin the Ruston 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 Ruston 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