Optometrist Salary in Cleveland, OH: $139,902 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Cleveland, OH earns a median $139,902/year (≈ $67.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Cleveland's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.9), that paycheck buys what $148,954 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% above the Ohio state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cleveland, Ohio, the projected 2026 median salary for optometrists reaches $139,902, indicating a robust earning potential that aligns closely with the national median of $140,612, sitting just 0.50% below it. The full salary range for optometrists in the area falls between $67,954 at the lower end and extends to $174,229 for the most experienced professionals. This data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, underscores the lucrative opportunities available to those practicing in Cleveland. Notably, the OD/MD model, which incorporates surgical co-management and referral revenue sharing with ophthalmologists, significantly boosts income potential, making this a compelling environment for optometrists seeking to maximize their earnings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,954 | $32.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95,619 | $45.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $139,902 | $67.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,728 | $78.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $174,229 | $83.76 |
Median Salary Position
0.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland
In Cleveland, OH, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $106,275 (2026 est.). At $139,902, the local median is 0.5% below the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Cleveland: You'd be above the median
How Cleveland Optometrist Pay Compares
Cleveland median: $139,902/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cleveland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $137,293 | +1.90% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -0.50% less |
Optometrists in Cleveland, OH earn a median of $139,902 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.50% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.90% above the Ohio state average of $137,293.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cleveland has a cost of living 6.08% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cleveland, OH has a cost-of-living index of 93.923 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $139,902 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $148,954 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.47% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,060
2025 BLS Actual
$135,880
2026 Current Est.
$139,902
2019–2027 Growth
+28.5%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,530 | Actual |
| 2022 | $131,570 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,902 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,043 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cleveland metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 21.3% from $112,060 (2019) to $135,880 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,043 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,983 (28.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland 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) | $67,954 – $95,619 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $95,619 – $139,902 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $139,902 – $162,728 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,728 – $174,229 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Cleveland
Among the 250 optometrists currently working in the Cleveland area, the cost of living index stands at 93.923, providing a favorable backdrop for take-home pay. This local affordability can enhance the purchasing power of optometrists compared to many other markets. Private optometry practices, especially those operating on the OD/MD model, often lead in compensation, while retail chains like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision generally offer lower salaries. Factors contributing to the variation in pay include ownership equity in practices, experience levels, and whether opting for residency training in ocular disease pays off in enhanced opportunities. With increasing specialization due to expanded scopes of practice—covering glaucoma management and minor surgical procedures—those striving for higher pay in Cleveland should consider acquiring advanced training or partnering with ophthalmologists to benefit from surgical case referrals.
More salary data for Cleveland, 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 $135,880 for optometristsin the Cleveland 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