Optometrist Salary in Liberty, MO: $124,159 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Liberty, MO earns a median $124,159/year (≈ $59.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Liberty's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $138,570 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Liberty, Missouri, optometrists can expect a median annual salary of $124,159 in 2026, a figure that reflects local market dynamics against a national median of $140,612. The salary range here varies significantly, from $72,012 at the 10th percentile to a high of $173,312 at the 90th percentile. The competitive environment in the area can lead to varying compensation based on whether optometrists choose practice ownership, employment as associates, or roles within retail optical chains. Understanding these structural choices is vital for professionals contemplating their career trajectory in Liberty, as market conditions impact overall earning potential and job satisfaction.
About the Liberty Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,012 | $34.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,019 | $47.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,159 | $59.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145,352 | $69.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $173,312 | $83.33 |
Median Salary Position
11.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Liberty
In Liberty, MO, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $101,300 (2026 est.). At $124,159, the local median is 11.7% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Liberty: You'd be above the median
How Liberty Optometrist Pay Compares
Liberty median: $124,159/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Liberty Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $126,050 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -11.70% less |
Optometrists in Liberty, MO earn a median of $124,159 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.70% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.50% below the Missouri state average of $126,050.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Liberty 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.
Liberty, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $124,159 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,570 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$101,765
2025 BLS Actual
$120,590
2026 Current Est.
$124,159
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,765 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,237 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,756 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,895 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,431 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,023 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,590 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,159 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,835 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Liberty metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $101,765 (2019) to $120,590 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,835 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,070 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Liberty 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) | $72,012 – $99,019 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,019 – $124,159 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,159 – $145,352 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $145,352 – $173,312 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Liberty
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are currently five optometrists employed in Liberty, which can indicate limited competition but also reflects a tight-knit professional community. Given the cost of living index of 89.6, residents have a slightly more favorable financial scenario compared to the national average, potentially stretching take-home pay further. Among employers, private practices often offer higher compensation, particularly those modeled after OD/MD collaborations that share revenue from surgical referrals. Observing trends such as practice ownership, residency training, and the growing presence of private equity in the sector, optometrists are encouraged to weigh their options carefully. Strategies for maximizing pay include pursuing advanced certifications in ocular disease, which can enhance credibility and open doors to better-paying opportunities. Understanding the unique landscape of optometrist pay in Liberty MO is critical for making informed career choices.
More salary data for Liberty, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Liberty?
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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 $120,590 for optometristsin the Liberty 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 Liberty 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