Optometrist Salary in Parma, OH: $138,418 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Parma, OH earns a median $138,418/year (≈ $66.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Parma's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $152,611 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation for optometrists in Parma, Ohio, is projected to be quite competitive, with a median annual salary of $138,418. The salary spectrum ranges from $80,283 at the entry-level to approximately $199,457 for those at the peak of their careers. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions. As the scope of practice has broadened in Ohio to include advanced procedures such as glaucoma management and oral medications, the demand for skilled optometrists is expected to solidify further job opportunities in the Parma area, making it a promising market for both established practitioners and recent graduates.
About the Parma Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,283 | $38.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,093 | $52.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,418 | $66.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $165,116 | $79.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199,457 | $95.90 |
Median Salary Position
1.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Parma
In Parma, OH, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $119,174 (2026 est.). At $138,418, the local median is 1.56% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Parma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Parma Optometrist Pay Compares
Parma median: $138,418/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Parma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $137,320 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -1.56% less |
Optometrists in Parma, OH earn a median of $138,418 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.56% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.80% above the Ohio state average of $137,320.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Parma 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.
Parma, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $138,418 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $152,611 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,452
2025 BLS Actual
$134,439
2026 Current Est.
$138,418
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Parma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,452 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,208 | Actual |
| 2021 | $122,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,802 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,855 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,439 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,418 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,516 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Parma metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $113,452 (2019) to $134,439 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,516 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,064 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Parma 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) | $80,283 – $109,093 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,093 – $138,418 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,418 – $165,116 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $165,116 – $199,457 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Parma
The local job market for optometrists in Parma features a relatively small workforce, with just 12 professionals currently employed. However, the cost of living index stands at 90.7, which is below the national average, meaning residents enjoy a lower living expense that enhances their purchasing power. When considering potential employers, private optometry practices typically offer higher salaries compared to retail optical chains, such as LensCrafters and Pearle Vision. Factors influencing the pay disparity include ownership structure, the ability to provide specialized services often sought after in optometry, and whether they are involved in co-managing patients with ophthalmologists. Optometrists in Parma aiming to maximize their earnings should consider pursuing residency training, as this can lead to better compensation and more opportunities within higher-paying healthcare settings.
More salary data for Parma, 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 $134,439 for optometristsin the Parma 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 Parma 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