Optometrist Salary in Springfield, MO: $142,250 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Springfield, MO earns a median $142,250/year (≈ $68.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Springfield's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.6), that paycheck buys what $160,580 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.9% above the Missouri state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Springfield, MO, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $142,250, slightly higher than the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in the area varies significantly, with lower-end positions earning approximately $98,831 while the highest earners can make up to $179,367. This official data is gathered from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, which reflect the growing demand for eye care professionals in Springfield. The local scope of practice allows optometrists to provide comprehensive care, including the management of glaucoma and the use of oral medications, contributing to the increasing compensation within the field. Such factors, along with the expansion of optometry services, shape the competitive salary environment for professionals operating in Springfield.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,831 | $47.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,839 | $52.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $142,250 | $68.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $166,188 | $79.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $179,367 | $86.23 |
Median Salary Position
1.16% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Springfield
In Springfield, MO, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $80,536 (2026 est.). At $142,250, the local median is 1.16% above the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Springfield: You'd be above the median
How Springfield Optometrist Pay Compares
Springfield median: $142,250/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Springfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $125,996 | +12.90% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +1.16% more |
Optometrists in Springfield, MO earn a median of $142,250 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.16% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 12.90% above the Missouri state average of $125,996.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Springfield has a cost of living 11.42% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Springfield, MO has a cost-of-living index of 88.585 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $142,250 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $160,580 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.89% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,770
2025 BLS Actual
$138,160
2026 Current Est.
$142,250
2019–2027 Growth
+26.5%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,770 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,170 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,930 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,070 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,160 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,250 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,460 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Springfield metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 19.3% from $115,770 (2019) to $138,160 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,460 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,690 (26.51%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield 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) | $98,831 – $108,839 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,839 – $142,250 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $142,250 – $166,188 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $166,188 – $179,367 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Springfield
Looking deeper into the local job market, there are currently around 70 optometrists employed in Springfield, which indicates a moderate demand for these professionals. The cost of living index for the area is notably low at 88.585, enhancing the purchasing power of those earning an optometrist pay in Springfield, MO. Leading employers, like private optometry practices, ophthalmology clinics, and military health systems, tend to offer the most competitive wages. The variation in earnings may arise from factors such as ownership structures, relationships with ophthalmologists, and specialized training pathways like ocular disease residency programs. For new and experienced optometrists alike, aligning with practices that offer equitable ownership stakes or partnering with physicians could be effective strategies for maximizing income potential. Understanding these dynamics will be crucial for anyone considering how much optometrists make in Springfield and navigating their career paths.
More salary data for Springfield, 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 $138,160 for optometristsin the Springfield 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
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