Optometrist Salary in Nebraska: $128,665 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Nebraska's 13 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $128,665/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Nebraska sits at BEA RPP 91.5 (8% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $140,617 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Omaha ($127,110), Lincoln ($126,510), Grand Island ($121,975).
In Nebraska, the average median salary for optometrists is projected to be $128,665 in 2026, which is 8.5% lower than the national median of $140,612. The highest paying city in the state is Omaha, where optometrists can expect to earn $130,872, while North Platte offers the lowest salary at $119,640. This salary difference, approximately $11,232, is influenced by factors such as the cost of living, population density, and demand for optometry services in these areas. Nebraska's optometrists face specific state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that may affect their ability to provide certain types of care. The demand for optometrists is projected to grow at an annual rate of 2.96%, reflecting an increasing need for eye care services as the population ages. With a total of 286 optometrists employed across the state, cities like Lincoln ($130,255), Grand Island ($125,585), Hastings ($125,525), and Fremont ($124,846) are also key locations providing favorable salary opportunities. Overall, while salaries may vary by location, the steady growth rate and demand for optometrists signal a positive outlook for the job market in Nebraska.
Nebraska Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Nebraska: $56,793 (lowest entry-level) to $213,127 (highest top earner)
Nebraska vs National Average
Nebraska optometrists earn 8.5% less than the national median ($-11,947/year difference).
Nebraska Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Nebraska range from $64,551 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $200,419 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $128,665. The Nebraska median is $11,947 below the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $61.86/hr. Approximately 286 optometrists are employed across 13 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$85,657
2025 BLS Actual
$124,966
2026 Current Est.
$128,665
2019–2027 Growth
+54.7%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Nebraska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,657 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,123 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,234 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,324 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,751 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,929 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,966 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,665 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,474 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Nebraska metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 45.9% from $85,657 (2019) to $124,966 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $132,474 by 2027 — a total increase of $46,817 (54.66%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nebraska 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 Nebraska
Lowest Paying Cities in Nebraska
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| North Platte | $119,640 |
| Papillion | $119,679 |
| La Vista | $119,804 |
| Norfolk | $119,824 |
| Columbus | $120,143 |
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Nebraska
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Nebraska cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | $130,872 | 91.911 | $142,390 |
| Lincoln | $130,255 | 91.581 | $142,229 |
| Grand Island | $125,585 | 91.5 | $137,251 |
| Hastings | $125,525 | 91.5 | $137,186 |
| Fremont | $124,846 | 91.5 | $136,444 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Nebraska
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $64,551 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $128,665 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $200,419 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Nebraska metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 13 Cities in Nebraska
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Omaha | $130,872 |
| 2 | Lincoln | $130,255 |
| 3 | Grand Island | $125,585 |
| 4 | Hastings | $125,525 |
| 5 | Fremont | $124,846 |
| 6 | Bellevue | $124,588 |
| 7 | Kearney | $123,898 |
| 8 | Scottsbluff | $123,472 |
| 9 | Columbus | $120,143 |
| 10 | Norfolk | $119,824 |
| 11 | La Vista | $119,804 |
| 12 | Papillion | $119,679 |
| 13 | North Platte | $119,640 |
More Nebraska Salary Data
Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Nebraska in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Nebraska?
How does Nebraska optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Nebraska?
How many optometrists are employed in Nebraska?
Which Nebraska 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 Nebraska. State averages are employment-weighted across 13 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