Optometrist Salary in Hilliard, OH: $129,975 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Hilliard, OH earns a median $129,975/year (≈ $62.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Hilliard's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $143,302 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilliard, Ohio, the 2026 median annual salary for optometrists is projected to be $129,975, which reflects a slight decrease compared to the national median of $140,612. This city offers a salary range from $75,385 at the 10th percentile to $183,910 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant potential for earning depending on factors such as experience, practice setting, and ownership status. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data suggest that the compensation structure may differ for optometrists based on their career paths, whether in private practices, retail optical chains, or as part of ophthalmology groups. The current employment scenario employs nine optometrists in the area, highlighting a niche but competitive job market.
About the Hilliard Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,385 | $36.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,326 | $49.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,975 | $62.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $153,671 | $73.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $183,910 | $88.42 |
Median Salary Position
7.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilliard
In Hilliard, OH, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,525 (2026 est.). At $129,975, the local median is 7.56% below the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Hilliard: You'd be above the median
How Hilliard Optometrist Pay Compares
Hilliard median: $129,975/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hilliard Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $137,249 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -7.56% less |
Optometrists in Hilliard, OH earn a median of $129,975 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.56% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.30% below the Ohio state average of $137,249.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hilliard 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.
Hilliard, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $129,975 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $143,302 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,531
2025 BLS Actual
$126,238
2026 Current Est.
$129,975
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hilliard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,531 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,119 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,896 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,089 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,884 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,605 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,238 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,975 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,822 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hilliard metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $106,531 (2019) to $126,238 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,822 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,291 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilliard 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) | $75,385 – $102,326 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,326 – $129,975 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,975 – $153,671 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $153,671 – $183,910 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Hilliard
The local job market, characterized by a cost-of-living index of 90.7, suggests that while optometrist salaries in Hilliard may lag slightly behind national averages, the relative affordability of the area can enhance take-home purchasing power. Optometrists employed by private practices generally enjoy higher pay, especially those involved in the OD/MD model, where collaborative care opens additional revenue streams. On the other hand, retail chains may offer lower salaries due to profit margins and volume-driven business models. The spread in pay can also be influenced by factors such as residency training in ocular disease or involvement in practice ownership. For new and emerging optometrists in Hilliard, pursuing residency programs and seeking collaborations with ophthalmologists can be effective strategies for maximizing earning potential.
More salary data for Hilliard, 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 $126,238 for optometristsin the Hilliard 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 Hilliard 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