Optometrist Salary in Missouri: $137,029 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Missouri's 33 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $137,029/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Missouri sits at BEA RPP 89.6 (10% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $152,934 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Kansas City ($138,580), Springfield ($138,160), St. Louis ($135,090).
In Missouri, the projected average median salary for optometrists in 2026 is $137,028, which is slightly below the national median of $140,612, representing a difference of 2.5%. The highest-paying city in the state is Kansas City, where optometrists can expect to earn about $142,682, while in Hannibal, the salary drops to $116,255, creating a salary gap of $26,427. This variation can be attributed to factors such as the cost of living, demand for optometric services, and regional differences in healthcare access. Missouri's optometrists must adhere to state licensing requirements and are governed by specific scope of practice laws, which can influence their earning potential. With 1,145 optometrists employed statewide, the market is expected to see a growth rate of 2.96% annually, according to 2025 BLS data. The best salary prospects are in cities like Springfield at $142,250 and St. Louis at $139,089, both of which highlight regional competition for skilled optometrists. Further demand is driven by an aging population and increasing awareness of eye health, making this a stable career choice in the state moving forward.
Missouri Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Missouri: $69,087 (lowest entry-level) to $199,296 (highest top earner)
Missouri vs National Average
Missouri optometrists earn 2.55% less than the national median ($-3,583/year difference).
Missouri Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Missouri range from $83,811 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $186,835 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $137,029. The Missouri median is $3,583 below the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $65.88/hr. Approximately 1,145 optometrists are employed across 33 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$112,287
2025 BLS Actual
$133,089
2026 Current Est.
$137,029
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Missouri (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,287 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,770 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,079 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,721 | Actual |
| 2023 | $120,423 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,909 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,089 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,029 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,085 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Missouri metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $112,287 (2019) to $133,089 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,085 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,798 (25.65%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Missouri 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Missouri
Lowest Paying Cities in Missouri
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Hannibal | $116,255 |
| Raymore | $116,634 |
| Branson | $117,080 |
| Belton | $119,116 |
| Jefferson City | $120,025 |
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Missouri
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Missouri cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield | $142,250 | 88.585 | $160,580 |
| Kansas City | $142,682 | 92.543 | $154,179 |
| St. Louis | $139,089 | 95.088 | $146,274 |
| Independence | $128,577 | 89.6 | $143,501 |
| Columbia | $128,017 | 89.6 | $142,876 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Missouri
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $83,811 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $137,029 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $186,835 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Missouri metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 33 Cities in Missouri
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kansas City | $142,682 |
| 2 | Springfield | $142,250 |
| 3 | St. Louis | $139,089 |
| 4 | Independence | $128,577 |
| 5 | Columbia | $128,017 |
| 6 | St. Peters | $127,637 |
| 7 | St. Charles | $127,399 |
| 8 | St. Joseph | $126,350 |
| 9 | O'Fallon | $125,921 |
| 10 | Florissant | $125,263 |
| 11 | Wildwood | $124,988 |
| 12 | Kirkwood | $124,952 |
| 13 | Lee's Summit | $124,882 |
| 14 | Chesterfield | $124,864 |
| 15 | University City | $124,209 |
| 16 | Liberty | $124,159 |
| 17 | Grandview | $123,944 |
| 18 | Maryland Heights | $123,739 |
| 19 | Blue Springs | $122,339 |
| 20 | Cape Girardeau | $122,224 |
| 21 | Joplin | $122,150 |
| 22 | Raytown | $121,608 |
| 23 | Webster Groves | $121,002 |
| 24 | Sedalia | $120,965 |
| 25 | Ballwin | $120,747 |
| 26 | Nixa | $120,737 |
| 27 | Gladstone | $120,416 |
| 28 | Wentzville | $120,132 |
| 29 | Jefferson City | $120,025 |
| 30 | Belton | $119,116 |
| 31 | Branson | $117,080 |
| 32 | Raymore | $116,634 |
| 33 | Hannibal | $116,255 |
More Missouri Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced optometrists.
Compare Cities in Missouri
View all comparisons →Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Missouri in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Missouri?
How does Missouri optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Missouri?
How many optometrists are employed in Missouri?
Which Missouri city offers the best value for optometrists?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 optometrist compensation across Missouri. State averages are employment-weighted across 33 metro areas — larger metro areas with more optometristscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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