Optometrist Salary in Carlsbad, NM: $125,856 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Carlsbad, NM earns a median $125,856/year (≈ $60.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Carlsbad's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $133,322 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carlsbad, New Mexico, optometrists earn a median annual salary of $125,856 as of 2026, which reflects the critical influence of the OD/MD model in surgical co-management settings that can significantly enhance compensation opportunities. The salary figures range from $72,997 at the 10th percentile to $178,494 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating a broad spectrum of earnings associated with varying levels of experience and practice structures. These local salary estimates, grounded in BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, suggest a competitive market given that the national median stands at $140,612, slightly outpaced by local figures. This context highlights the opportunities for optometrists in the region, particularly as they navigate evolving practice models and embrace expanded scopes of care, enhancing their revenue potential.
About the Carlsbad Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,997 | $35.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,138 | $49.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,856 | $60.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,051 | $71.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $178,494 | $85.82 |
Median Salary Position
10.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carlsbad
In Carlsbad, NM, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $105,497 (2026 est.). At $125,856, the local median is 10.49% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carlsbad: You'd be above the median
How Carlsbad Optometrist Pay Compares
Carlsbad median: $125,856/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carlsbad Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $132,760 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -10.49% less |
Optometrists in Carlsbad, NM earn a median of $125,856 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.49% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.20% below the New Mexico state average of $132,760.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carlsbad has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carlsbad, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $125,856 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $133,322 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$103,155
2025 BLS Actual
$122,238
2026 Current Est.
$125,856
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Carlsbad (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,155 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,662 | Actual |
| 2021 | $111,256 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,022 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,568 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,238 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,856 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,582 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carlsbad metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $103,155 (2019) to $122,238 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $129,582 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,427 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carlsbad 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) | $72,997 – $102,138 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,138 – $125,856 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,856 – $149,051 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,051 – $178,494 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Carlsbad
As of the latest projections, Carlsbad employs seven optometrists, indicating a stable yet modest job market for this profession. The local cost of living, with an index of 94.4, suggests that expenses are slightly below the national average, potentially allowing for greater purchasing power relative to salary. Among local employers, private optometry practices, especially those embracing the OD/MD collaborative model, tend to offer the highest salaries. Conversely, retail optical chains may offer lower compensation, further widening the income gap based on practice settings. Factors contributing to the variance in pay include residency training, which adds value, and ownership equity in private practices that can significantly boost earnings. For those in Carlsbad aiming to enhance their pay, pursuing specialized training in areas like glaucoma management or ocular disease could be beneficial, alongside exploring practice ownership options to maximize revenue potential and job satisfaction in this evolving market.
More salary data for Carlsbad, NM:
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 $122,238 for optometristsin the Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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