Optometrist Salary in Columbus, OH: $137,318 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Columbus, OH earns a median $137,318/year (≈ $66.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.5), that paycheck buys what $143,835 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Ohio state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the estimated salary for optometrists in Columbus, OH, is projected to reach $137,318, reflecting a competitive position compared to the national median of $140,612. While the salary range in Columbus spans from $69,344 at the 10th percentile to a substantial $218,255 at the 90th percentile, these figures underscore the notable variance in compensation depending on experience and employment setting. This data, derived from official 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, highlights an evolving job market in Columbus, particularly as the scope of practice for optometrists has expanded significantly in recent years, incorporating responsibilities like glaucoma management and the use of oral medications, impacting overall compensation and demand for services within the state.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,344 | $33.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $121,225 | $58.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,318 | $66.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $170,903 | $82.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $218,255 | $104.94 |
Median Salary Position
2.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, OH, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $148,911 (2026 est.). At $137,318, the local median is 2.34% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbus Optometrist Pay Compares
Columbus median: $137,318/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $140,612 | -2.34% less |
Optometrists in Columbus, OH earn a median of $137,318 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.34% lower than the national median of $140,612.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 4.53% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, OH has a cost-of-living index of 95.469 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $137,318 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $143,835 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.75% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,410
2025 BLS Actual
$133,370
2026 Current Est.
$137,318
2019–2027 Growth
+21.5%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,410 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,330 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,510 | Actual |
| 2022 | $129,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,370 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,318 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,382 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 14.6% from $116,410 (2019) to $133,370 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,382 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,972 (21.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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) | $69,344 – $121,225 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $121,225 – $137,318 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,318 – $170,903 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $170,903 – $218,255 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Columbus
With around 260 optometrists currently practicing in Columbus, the local job market shows promise, yet it also reflects the reality of a cost of living index at 95.469, slightly below the national average. This means that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power might be more favorable compared to higher-cost regions. Among the various employment options, private practices tend to offer higher pay, particularly those structured as OD/MD models, which can yield additional revenue from surgical referrals. Conversely, retail optical chains may provide a lower salary ceiling but offer stability and standard hours. To maximize earning potential, optometrists in Columbus should consider pursuing residency training, especially in ocular disease, to stand out in a saturated market, and seek opportunities that allow for ownership equity or partnerships in practices for a share of profits that can lead to higher long-term earnings.
More salary data for Columbus, 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 $133,370 for optometristsin the Columbus 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