Optometrist Salary in Zachary, LA: $118,090 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Zachary, LA earns a median $118,090/year (≈ $56.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Zachary's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $130,775 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Zachary, Louisiana, the projected median annual salary for optometrists in 2026 is $118,090. This reflects a competitive earning potential in light of the robust scope of practice that includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and select laser procedures, contributing to a favorable environment for practitioners. Salaries vary significantly in Zachary, ranging from $72,096 at the 10th percentile to $168,710 at the 90th percentile. These figures are calculated from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for local economic factors. With a relatively small number of six optometrists employed in the area, the job market in Zachary presents a unique opportunity for new graduates and seasoned professionals alike, emphasizing the potential for growth as demand for eye care services continues to rise.
About the Zachary Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,096 | $34.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,095 | $47.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $118,090 | $56.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $135,036 | $64.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $168,710 | $81.11 |
Median Salary Position
16.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Zachary
In Zachary, LA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $96,614 (2026 est.). At $118,090, the local median is 16.02% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Zachary: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Zachary Optometrist Pay Compares
Zachary median: $118,090/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Zachary Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $126,978 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -16.02% less |
Optometrists in Zachary, LA earn a median of $118,090 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.02% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.00% below the Louisiana state average of $126,978.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Zachary 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.
Zachary, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $118,090 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $130,775 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,790
2025 BLS Actual
$114,695
2026 Current Est.
$118,090
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Zachary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,141 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,390 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,474 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,739 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,458 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,695 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,090 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,585 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Zachary metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $96,790 (2019) to $114,695 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,585 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,795 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Zachary 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) | $72,096 – $99,095 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,095 – $118,090 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $118,090 – $135,036 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $135,036 – $168,710 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Zachary
The local job market for optometrists in Zachary demonstrates a notable dynamic influenced by factors like cost of living and employer types. With a cost-of-living index of 90.3, the purchasing power for optometrists may seem stronger than in more expensive areas, making salaries more appealing. Among local employers, private practices and medical centers often offer the highest pay, especially those that integrate the OD/MD model, which facilitates referrals for surgical procedures. Additionally, residency training in ocular disease can significantly enhance earning potential. As the market shifts with private equity acquiring practices, understanding employment terms becomes crucial; those negotiating salaries should emphasize their skills and consider roles that leverage their full scope of practice, particularly in a region like Zachary that benefits from expanded optometric tools and treatments.
More salary data for Zachary, 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 $114,695 for optometristsin the Zachary 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 Zachary 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