Optometrist Salary in Chillicothe, OH: $129,290 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Chillicothe, OH earns a median $129,290/year (≈ $62.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Chillicothe's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $142,547 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Chillicothe, Ohio, can anticipate a median annual salary of $129,290, which reflects a competitive position within the market, although it falls short of the national median of $140,612 by approximately 8.05%. Salaries in the area range significantly, from $74,988 at the lower end (P10) to an upper bracket of $183,564 (P90). These figures reveal the potential for lucrative earnings, especially for those who engage in the OD/MD model, which allows for surgical co-management and additional revenue through referrals. With local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price variances, the optometrist pay in Chillicothe shows promise, particularly within the context of Ohio's overall job market.
About the Chillicothe Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,988 | $36.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,451 | $53.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,290 | $62.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,366 | $74.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $183,564 | $88.25 |
Median Salary Position
8.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chillicothe
In Chillicothe, OH, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,576 (2026 est.). At $129,290, the local median is 8.05% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chillicothe: You'd be above the median
How Chillicothe Optometrist Pay Compares
Chillicothe median: $129,290/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chillicothe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $137,250 | -5.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -8.05% less |
Optometrists in Chillicothe, OH earn a median of $129,290 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.05% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.80% below the Ohio state average of $137,250.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chillicothe has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chillicothe, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $129,290 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $142,547 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$105,970
2025 BLS Actual
$125,573
2026 Current Est.
$129,290
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Chillicothe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,970 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,544 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,291 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,477 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,242 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,017 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,573 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,290 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,117 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chillicothe metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $105,970 (2019) to $125,573 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,117 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,147 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chillicothe 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) | $74,988 – $110,451 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,451 – $129,290 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,290 – $154,366 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,366 – $183,564 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Chillicothe
The job market for optometrists in Chillicothe is relatively small, with only six professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index is notably lower at 90.7, which can enhance purchasing power and make the compensation more appealing. High-paying employers include private optometry practices, particularly those utilizing the OD/MD collaborative care model, which generates additional income through surgical referrals. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to factors such as practice ownership equity, employment settings, and the influence of private equity acquisitions in the field. For recent graduates or those seeking to maximize their pay, focusing on residency training in ocular disease can be beneficial. Establishing connections with local ophthalmology practices also opens avenues for additional income, especially in a market characterized by its unique employment dynamics.
More salary data for Chillicothe, OH:
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 $125,573 for optometristsin the Chillicothe 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 Chillicothe 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