Optometrist Salary in Lima, OH: $135,079 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Lima, OH earns a median $135,079/year (≈ $64.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Lima's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $148,929 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected optometrist salary in Lima, OH, is positioned at an attractive $135,079 for 2026, reflecting a competitive market for eye care professionals in the area. This figure falls within a salary range stretching from $81,361 at the 10th percentile to $187,737 at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy spread driven by various employment structures. Optometrists have multiple options in Lima, including private practice ownership, associate positions, or work within retail chains, each with its own compensation dynamics. The local estimates derive from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price disparities, allowing for nuanced comparison within the local job market. With a small group of just eight employed optometrists in the city, professionals in this field can expect a unique set of challenges and opportunities influenced by local demand for services.
About the Lima Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,361 | $39.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,652 | $54.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,079 | $64.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $157,944 | $75.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,737 | $90.25 |
Median Salary Position
3.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lima
In Lima, OH, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $106,376 (2026 est.). At $135,079, the local median is 3.93% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lima: You'd be above the median
How Lima Optometrist Pay Compares
Lima median: $135,079/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lima Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $137,276 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -3.93% less |
Optometrists in Lima, OH earn a median of $135,079 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.93% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.60% below the Ohio state average of $137,276.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lima 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.
Lima, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $135,079 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $148,929 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,715
2025 BLS Actual
$131,196
2026 Current Est.
$135,079
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Lima (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,715 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,405 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,409 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,648 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,671 | Actual |
| 2024 | $115,988 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,196 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,079 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,078 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lima metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $110,715 (2019) to $131,196 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,078 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,363 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lima 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) | $81,361 – $112,652 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,652 – $135,079 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,079 – $157,944 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $157,944 – $187,737 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Lima
The overall job market for optometrists in Lima thrives against a backdrop of a relatively low cost of living, with a cost-of-living index of 90.7 contributing positively to residents' purchasing power. Given this context, private optometry practices often provide the highest compensation, potentially enhanced by practice ownership and equity stakes. Retail optical chains may offer slightly lower salaries but provide more stable employment opportunities, particularly for those just starting their careers. Income disparities within the field can also arise from various factors, including residency training in ocular disease, the inclusion of complex referrals from ophthalmology practices, and the operational differences between small private offices and larger entities. To maximize earning potential, optometrists in Lima should consider residency training to enhance their skill set, network with local practitioners, and stay updated on expanding their scope of practice, particularly in growing areas such as glaucoma management and minor surgical procedures.
More salary data for Lima, 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 $131,196 for optometristsin the Lima 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 Lima 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