Optometrist Salary in Marion, OH: $130,806 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Marion, OH earns a median $130,806/year (≈ $62.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Marion's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $144,218 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Marion, Ohio, the projected salary for optometrists in 2026 is $130,806, which is approximately 6.97% lower than the national median of $140,612. This figure reflects a full salary range for optometrists between $75,867 at the 10th percentile and $186,264 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, providing an insight into the local economic environment. Given the limited presence of only seven optometrists employed in the area, factors influencing these earnings include whether practitioners choose to operate their own private practices, work as employed associates, or align with retail optical chains. As the optometry field continues to evolve, employment structure plays a crucial role in determining earning potential in Marion.
About the Marion Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,867 | $36.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,881 | $51.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,806 | $62.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $155,667 | $74.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $186,264 | $89.55 |
Median Salary Position
6.97% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marion
In Marion, OH, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $110,397 (2026 est.). At $130,806, the local median is 6.97% below the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Marion: You'd be above the median
How Marion Optometrist Pay Compares
Marion median: $130,806/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Marion Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $137,257 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -6.97% less |
Optometrists in Marion, OH earn a median of $130,806 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.97% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.70% below the Ohio state average of $137,257.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Marion 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.
Marion, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $130,806 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $144,218 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$107,212
2025 BLS Actual
$127,045
2026 Current Est.
$130,806
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Marion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,212 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,817 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,631 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,831 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,663 | Actual |
| 2024 | $112,319 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,045 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,806 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,677 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Marion metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $107,212 (2019) to $127,045 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,677 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,465 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marion 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) | $75,867 – $106,881 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,881 – $130,806 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,806 – $155,667 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $155,667 – $186,264 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Marion
The local job market for optometrists in Marion presents unique dynamics. With a cost-of-living index at 90.7, the area is below the national average, potentially enhancing the take-home purchasing power of optometrists. Those seeking higher wages may find opportunities within ophthalmology practices, which often feature an OD/MD model, allowing optometrists to benefit from surgical referral revenue. Conversely, retail optical chains such as LensCrafters and Walmart Vision might provide more stable employment but typically at lower pay brackets compared to private practices. Additionally, specialization through residency training in ocular disease can give candidates an edge in negotiating salaries. Optimizing earnings in this market may involve a strategic focus on ownership models, tailored specialties, and understanding the evolving landscape of practice ownership, influenced by recent trends in private equity acquisitions of independent practices in Marion, OH.
More salary data for Marion, 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 $127,045 for optometristsin the Marion 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 Marion 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