Optometrist Salary in Norfolk, NE: $119,824 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Norfolk, NE earns a median $119,824/year (≈ $57.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $130,955 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.9% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Norfolk, Nebraska can expect a median annual salary of $119,824 as of 2026, reflecting the structural choices present in the local job market. With a salary range extending from $73,040 at the 10th percentile to $167,673 at the 90th percentile, these figures offer a glimpse into the diverse compensation dynamics for eye care professionals in this region. The estimates are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost differentials, indicating that practitioners working in private practices or specialized settings might command higher salaries compared to those employed by retail optical chains. Given that the market includes only six optometrists in the area, competition for clients may play a significant role in salary fluctuations.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,040 | $35.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,752 | $48.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $119,824 | $57.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $141,547 | $68.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $167,673 | $80.61 |
Median Salary Position
14.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, NE, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $94,633 (2026 est.). At $119,824, the local median is 14.78% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Optometrist Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $119,824/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $128,704 | -6.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -14.78% less |
Optometrists in Norfolk, NE earn a median of $119,824 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.78% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.90% below the Nebraska state average of $128,704.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $119,824 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $130,955 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,211
2025 BLS Actual
$116,379
2026 Current Est.
$119,824
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,211 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,597 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,923 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,022 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,365 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,076 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,379 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,824 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $123,371 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $98,211 (2019) to $116,379 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $123,371 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,160 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $73,040 – $100,752 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,752 – $119,824 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $119,824 – $141,547 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $141,547 – $167,673 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Norfolk
The cost of living index in Norfolk stands at 91.5, which is below the national average, giving residents relatively more purchasing power than in many other regions. While private optometry practices tend to offer better pay, retail chains such as Walmart Vision and LensCrafters may be more accessible for recent graduates or those seeking stable employment. The variation in optometrist pay in Norfolk, NE, is influenced by several factors, including practical ownership opportunities, residency training in ocular disease, and employment terms with corporate entities that have acquired previously independent practices. For those looking to maximize their earnings, establishing a private practice or pursuing additional credentials through residency programs could enhance opportunities, particularly in ocular management and surgical referrals, contributing to better financial outcomes in the long run.
More salary data for Norfolk, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Norfolk, NE in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Norfolk?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Norfolk?
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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 $116,379 for optometristsin the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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