Optometrist Salary in Hamilton, OH: $137,374 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Hamilton, OH earns a median $137,374/year (≈ $66.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Hamilton's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $151,460 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hamilton, Ohio, optometrists can expect to earn a median annual salary of $137,374 in 2026, which places them slightly below the national median of $140,612. The salary range for these professionals in the area varies significantly, spanning from $79,678 at the 10th percentile to $209,559 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, highlight the potential financial benefits for optometrists engaged in OD/MD model surgical co-management, which can enhance their overall compensation through shared revenue arrangements. Given the small community of only 11 optometrists employed locally, Hamilton presents a competitive job market that reflects both the demand and opportunities available for eye care professionals.
About the Hamilton Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,678 | $38.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,004 | $51.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,374 | $66.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,485 | $78.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $209,559 | $100.75 |
Median Salary Position
2.3% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hamilton
In Hamilton, OH, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $129,881 (2026 est.). At $137,374, the local median is 2.3% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hamilton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hamilton Optometrist Pay Compares
Hamilton median: $137,374/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hamilton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $140,612 | -2.30% less |
Optometrists in Hamilton, OH earn a median of $137,374 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.30% lower than the national median of $140,612.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hamilton 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.
Hamilton, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $137,374 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $151,460 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,596
2025 BLS Actual
$133,425
2026 Current Est.
$137,374
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hamilton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,596 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,331 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,438 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,698 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,823 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,959 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,425 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,374 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,441 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hamilton metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $112,596 (2019) to $133,425 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,441 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,845 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hamilton 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) | $79,678 – $107,004 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,004 – $137,374 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,374 – $162,485 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,485 – $209,559 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Hamilton
Considering the local job market, Hamilton’s cost of living index stands at 90.7, indicating a relatively affordable environment compared to national averages. While this may enhance purchasing power for optometrists, the spread in salaries within the profession is largely influenced by factors such as practice ownership, the presence of OD/MD partnerships, and the competitive salary offers from retail optical chains versus private practices. Employers like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision typically provide stable income but may lack the additional surgical revenue opportunities found in ophthalmology or private practice settings. For those looking to maximize their optometrist pay in Hamilton, pursuing advanced residency training, particularly in ocular disease, can open doors to higher-paying positions and increase leverage in negotiations, especially as the field continues to evolve in terms of responsibilities and scope of practice.
More salary data for Hamilton, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Hamilton, OH in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Hamilton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Hamilton?
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Related Pages
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Career Resources
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 $133,425 for optometristsin the Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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