Optometrist Salary in Ardmore, OK: $118,301 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Ardmore, OK earns a median $118,301/year (≈ $56.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Ardmore's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $133,072 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Oklahoma state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists practicing in Ardmore, Oklahoma, can expect a median annual salary of $118,301 in 2026, which is quite lower than the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in this area extends from $68,615 at the lower tenth percentile to $171,542 for those in the top ninetieth percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost disparities. As Oklahoma has broadened its scope of practice to include the management of glaucoma and the use of oral medications, alongside laser procedures, the demand and compensation for skilled optometrists may continue to evolve. With only seven optometrists currently employed in Ardmore, competition for qualified candidates remains manageable, which may influence local salary trends in the coming years.
About the Ardmore Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,615 | $32.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95,741 | $46.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $118,301 | $56.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,397 | $68.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $171,542 | $82.47 |
Median Salary Position
15.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ardmore
In Ardmore, OK, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,927 (2026 est.). At $118,301, the local median is 15.87% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ardmore: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ardmore Optometrist Pay Compares
Ardmore median: $118,301/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ardmore Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Average | $125,054 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -15.87% less |
Optometrists in Ardmore, OK earn a median of $118,301 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.87% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.40% below the Oklahoma state average of $125,054.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ardmore has a cost of living 11.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ardmore, OK has a cost-of-living index of 88.9 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $118,301 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $133,072 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.49% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,963
2025 BLS Actual
$114,900
2026 Current Est.
$118,301
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Ardmore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,963 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,319 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,577 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,662 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,937 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,959 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,301 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,803 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ardmore metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $96,963 (2019) to $114,900 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,803 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,840 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ardmore 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) | $68,615 – $95,741 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $95,741 – $118,301 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $118,301 – $142,397 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,397 – $171,542 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Ardmore
The local job market for optometrists in Ardmore reflects both challenges and opportunities, given the cost-of-living index of 88.9, which is below the national average. This lower cost of living can enhance the purchasing power of optometrists, allowing for greater financial flexibility. Private optometry practices generally offer the highest pay, especially when they incorporate the OD/MD model, where optometrists work closely with ophthalmologists, benefiting from a shared revenue on surgical referrals. However, retail optical chains, like LensCrafters and Visionworks, may present more stable employment environments despite potentially lower salaries. The disparity in earnings can often stem from factors such as practice ownership equity, specialized residency training, and contract terms following private equity acquisitions. Optometrists looking to maximize their pay in Ardmore should consider these variables when determining their employment options, possibly targeting practice settings that align with their skills and career goals.
More salary data for Ardmore, OK:
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 $114,900 for optometristsin the Ardmore 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 Ardmore 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