Optometrist Salary in Elyria, OH: $132,676 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Elyria, OH earns a median $132,676/year (≈ $63.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Elyria's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $146,280 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elyria, Ohio, the projected compensation for optometrists in 2026 stands at a noteworthy $132,676 annually, reflecting the city's evolving healthcare landscape. This figure is slightly below the national median of $140,612, yet it offers a competitive range, with salaries ranging from $76,952 at the lower end to as high as $193,581 for top earners. Factors such as revenue from the OD/MD model of surgical co-management significantly contribute to the overall compensation, enhancing earning potential through shared revenue streams. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic conditions indicate that the optometry job market in Elyria remains stable, with strong demand for services to meet community needs.
About the Elyria Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,952 | $36.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,804 | $50.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,676 | $63.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159,298 | $76.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,581 | $93.07 |
Median Salary Position
5.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elyria
In Elyria, OH, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,629 (2026 est.). At $132,676, the local median is 5.64% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elyria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elyria Optometrist Pay Compares
Elyria median: $132,676/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elyria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $137,346 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -5.64% less |
Optometrists in Elyria, OH earn a median of $132,676 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.64% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.40% below the Ohio state average of $137,346.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elyria 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.
Elyria, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $132,676 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $146,280 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,745
2025 BLS Actual
$128,862
2026 Current Est.
$132,676
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Elyria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,745 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,387 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,285 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,502 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,418 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,925 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,862 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,676 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,604 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elyria metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $108,745 (2019) to $128,862 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,604 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,859 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elyria 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) | $76,952 – $105,804 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,804 – $132,676 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,676 – $159,298 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $159,298 – $193,581 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Elyria
Examining the local employment scene, Elyria currently employs 14 optometrists, which reflects a modest yet steady demand. The cost of living in Elyria, with an index of 90.7, is favorable compared to national averages, making the purchasing power of optometrists' salaries particularly appealing. Those pursuing careers in private practices, especially those that adopt the OD/MD format alongside high-paying ophthalmology clinics, often fare better financially. The pay disparity can be attributed to various factors, including the advantages of practice ownership, varied employment terms following the acquisition of private practices by larger entities, and the qualifications related to residency training. Optometrists looking to maximize their earnings in Elyria should consider specializing in areas such as ocular disease, engage in continuing education, and leverage relationships with local health networks to enhance their professional reputation and patient base.
More salary data for Elyria, 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 $128,862 for optometristsin the Elyria 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 Elyria 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