Optometrist Salary in Lansing, MI: $134,579 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Lansing, MI earns a median $134,579/year (≈ $64.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Lansing's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.0), that paycheck buys what $141,676 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Michigan state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the average optometrist salary in Lansing, Michigan, is projected at $134,579, showcasing competitive compensation within the evolving field of optometry. This figure falls within a salary range from $76,335 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $214,332 for those at the top (90th percentile). The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data reflects how the expansion of optometric practice to include services related to glaucoma management, oral medications, and even select laser procedures influences earning potential. While Lansing's median salary is slightly lower than the national average of $140,612, the local demands for optometric services suggest that the market remains robust, making it an attractive option for both new graduates and experienced practitioners.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,335 | $36.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $130,872 | $62.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,579 | $64.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $161,657 | $77.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $214,332 | $103.04 |
Median Salary Position
4.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lansing
In Lansing, MI, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $137,997 (2026 est.). At $134,579, the local median is 4.29% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lansing: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lansing Optometrist Pay Compares
Lansing median: $134,579/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lansing Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $137,747 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.29% less |
Optometrists in Lansing, MI earn a median of $134,579 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.29% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.30% below the Michigan state average of $137,747.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lansing has a cost of living 5.01% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lansing, MI has a cost-of-living index of 94.991 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $134,579 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $141,676 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.27% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,800
2025 BLS Actual
$130,710
2026 Current Est.
$134,579
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Lansing (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,800 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,090 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,660 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,710 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,579 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,563 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lansing metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 15.9% from $112,800 (2019) to $130,710 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,563 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,763 (22.84%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lansing 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) | $76,335 – $130,872 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $130,872 – $134,579 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,579 – $161,657 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $161,657 – $214,332 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Lansing
The local job market strength is evidenced by the employment of about 70 optometrists in Lansing, which indicates a steady demand for eye care professionals. However, the cost of living stands at a modest index of 94.991, implying that while salaries might seem lower compared to national standards, purchasing power remains relatively intact. Among various employers in the area, private optometry practices typically offer higher compensation compared to retail optical chains. Factors such as practice ownership, the collaboration with ophthalmologists in an OD/MD model, and residency training can significantly affect salary ranges, with post-acquisition employment terms in private equity-owned practices often leading to varied pay structures. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Lansing, pursuing a residency in ocular disease or considering partnerships in private practices may be advantageous strategies.
More salary data for Lansing, MI:
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 $130,710 for optometristsin the Lansing 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, 7-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