Optometrist Salary in Muskegon, MI: $134,234 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Muskegon, MI earns a median $134,234/year (≈ $64.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Muskegon's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $144,028 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Muskegon, MI, can expect a median annual salary of $134,234, reflecting the region's unique employment structure in eye care. The salary range for optometrists in this market spans from $77,856 at the lower end (P10) to $189,209 for those in the more advanced positions (P90). These figures, sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlight the various employment models available to optometrists, including practice ownership, associate positions, and roles within retail chains. Understanding the dynamics of these financial figures can provide insights into the demand for eye care in Muskegon, where the job market is shaped by both local practice types and regional cost considerations.
About the Muskegon Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,856 | $37.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,221 | $50.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,234 | $64.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $158,263 | $76.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $189,209 | $90.97 |
Median Salary Position
4.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muskegon
In Muskegon, MI, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $111,353 (2026 est.). At $134,234, the local median is 4.54% below the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Muskegon: You'd be above the median
How Muskegon Optometrist Pay Compares
Muskegon median: $134,234/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muskegon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $137,676 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.54% less |
Optometrists in Muskegon, MI earn a median of $134,234 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.54% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.50% below the Michigan state average of $137,676.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muskegon has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Muskegon, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $134,234 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $144,028 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,022
2025 BLS Actual
$130,375
2026 Current Est.
$134,234
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Muskegon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,022 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,695 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,662 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,893 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,879 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,085 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,375 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,234 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,207 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muskegon metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $110,022 (2019) to $130,375 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,207 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,185 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muskegon 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) | $77,856 – $105,221 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,221 – $134,234 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,234 – $158,263 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $158,263 – $189,209 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Muskegon
Most optometrists in Muskegon will find their compensation strongly influenced by the type of practice they join, as only seven optometrists are currently employed in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 93.2, the purchasing power for residents is better than the national average, allowing for more favorable living conditions despite slightly lower average salaries compared to national figures. Private optometry practices often provide the highest remuneration, especially for those partnered in successful practices, as they retain a larger share of revenue compared to retail optical chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks. The disparity in earnings largely stems from the advantages of owning a practice, working alongside ophthalmologists in an OD/MD model, or possessing advanced residency training in ocular disease. To maximize earning potential, aspiring optometrists should consider gaining experience in diverse settings and pursuing additional certifications that enhance their practice scope, aligning their skills with the evolving demands of eye care in Muskegon.
More salary data for Muskegon, 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 $130,375 for optometristsin the Muskegon 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 Muskegon 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