Optometrist Salary in Chesterfield, MO: $124,864 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Chesterfield, MO earns a median $124,864/year (≈ $60.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Chesterfield's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $139,357 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for an optometrist in Chesterfield, Missouri, is expected to reach $124,864, reflecting the unique dynamics associated with the OD/MD surgical co-management model. This earnings potential is anchored within a salary range spanning from $72,421 for the lowest earners to approximately $175,380 for those at the higher echelons of the profession. These figures, reflective of local estimates derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, underscore the depth of opportunity for trained professionals. Given the ongoing advancements in optometry and the growing demand for specialized care, Chesterfield's job market promises a competitive environment for optometrists looking to enhance their financial and career prospects.
About the Chesterfield Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,421 | $34.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,456 | $48.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,864 | $60.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,907 | $72.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $175,380 | $84.31 |
Median Salary Position
11.2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chesterfield
In Chesterfield, MO, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,959 (2026 est.). At $124,864, the local median is 11.2% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chesterfield: You'd be above the median
How Chesterfield Optometrist Pay Compares
Chesterfield median: $124,864/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chesterfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $125,998 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -11.20% less |
Optometrists in Chesterfield, MO earn a median of $124,864 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.20% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% below the Missouri state average of $125,998.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chesterfield has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chesterfield, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $124,864 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $139,357 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,342
2025 BLS Actual
$121,274
2026 Current Est.
$124,864
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Chesterfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,342 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,828 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,378 | Actual |
| 2022 | $111,524 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,092 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,664 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,274 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,864 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,560 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chesterfield metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $102,342 (2019) to $121,274 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,560 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,218 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesterfield 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) | $72,421 – $100,456 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,456 – $124,864 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,864 – $149,907 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,907 – $175,380 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Chesterfield
With only 10 optometrists currently employed in Chesterfield, the local job market is relatively small but offers promising potential, especially considering the cost-of-living index of 89.6, which is lower than the national average. This index indicates that optometrists can enjoy a greater purchasing power within the community. Among the leading employers in the area, private practices with OD/MD partnerships tend to offer the highest salaries, largely due to shared revenue from surgical referrals. Contrastingly, retail optical chains often provide lower salary packages but could present excellent opportunities for those just starting or seeking a non-clinical work-life balance. The variance in pay levels across different settings is influenced by factors such as practice ownership, the existence of partnership opportunities, and the presence of residency training that qualifies optometrists for specialized roles. To maximize earning potential in Chesterfield, leveraging status as a residency-trained practitioner and exploring choices in practice ownership could be strategic moves, especially as optometry continues to expand its scope to include advanced clinical procedures.
More salary data for Chesterfield, MO:
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 $121,274 for optometristsin the Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield 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