Optometrist Salary in Columbia, MO: $128,017 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Columbia, MO earns a median $128,017/year (≈ $61.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $142,876 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% above the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Columbia, Missouri are projected to earn a median annual salary of $128,017, a figure that reflects the unique market dynamics of the region. The salary range spans from $74,250 at the 10th percentile to $198,042 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse array of earning potential among local practitioners. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight the financial realities that optometrists face depending on their practice ownership structure. In Columbia, choices between private practice, employment as an associate, or working within retail chains significantly influence income levels, suggesting that those who are entrepreneurial may find greater financial rewards.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,250 | $35.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,052 | $47.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,017 | $61.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,099 | $76.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $198,042 | $95.22 |
Median Salary Position
8.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, MO, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,792 (2026 est.). At $128,017, the local median is 8.96% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbia Optometrist Pay Compares
Columbia median: $128,017/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $126,001 | +1.60% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -8.96% less |
Optometrists in Columbia, MO earn a median of $128,017 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.96% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.60% above the Missouri state average of $126,001.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia 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.
Columbia, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $128,017 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $142,876 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,927
2025 BLS Actual
$124,337
2026 Current Est.
$128,017
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,927 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,476 | Actual |
| 2021 | $150,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $114,341 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,535 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,337 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,017 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,807 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $104,927 (2019) to $124,337 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,807 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,880 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $74,250 – $98,052 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,052 – $128,017 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,017 – $160,099 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,099 – $198,042 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Columbia
With 23 optometrists currently employed in Columbia, the local job market demonstrates modest growth potential, aligned with an annual increase rate of 2.96%. The cost-of-living index stands at 89.6, making it essential for optometrists to consider how far their salaries stretch in terms of housing and daily expenses. Among the highest payers in the area are private optometry practices and larger ophthalmology clinics, where partnerships can lead to a more lucrative income stream through shared surgical referral revenue. Factors such as practice ownership, advanced residency training, and the transition of private practices into private equity ownership contribute to the discrepancy in pay scales. To maximize compensation in this environment, aspiring optometrists could benefit from pursuing advanced training or considering merging practices to diversify service offerings, especially as the scope of optometry expands with newer technologies and treatment options.
More salary data for Columbia, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Columbia?
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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 $124,337 for optometristsin the Columbia 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 Columbia 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