Optometrist Salary in Abilene, TX: $134,255 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Abilene, TX earns a median $134,255/year (≈ $64.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Abilene's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $139,849 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Abilene, TX, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $134,255 in 2026, which reflects a competitive positioning compared to the national median of $140,612. This figure encompasses a salary range from $77,868 at the 10th percentile to as high as $208,095 for those at the 90th percentile, illustrating the variability in earnings based on experience, practice setting, and demand for services. Data derived from 2025 BLS estimates indicates that local compensation levels are calibrated to accommodate the regional cost of living adjustments, where individuals working in surgical co-management practices with ophthalmologists may see augmented revenue streams. The Abilene market's employment of 26 optometrists contributes to rich opportunities for collaboration and referrals, underscoring the dynamic nature of optometric services available in the area.
About the Abilene Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,868 | $37.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,189 | $52.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,255 | $64.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159,960 | $76.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $208,095 | $100.05 |
Median Salary Position
4.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Abilene
In Abilene, TX, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $130,227 (2026 est.). At $134,255, the local median is 4.52% below the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Abilene: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Abilene Optometrist Pay Compares
Abilene median: $134,255/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Abilene Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.52% less |
Optometrists in Abilene, TX earn a median of $134,255 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.52% lower than the national median of $140,612.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Abilene has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Abilene, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $134,255 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $139,849 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,039
2025 BLS Actual
$130,395
2026 Current Est.
$134,255
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Abilene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,039 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,712 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,911 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,898 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,419 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,395 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,255 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,229 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Abilene metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $110,039 (2019) to $130,395 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,229 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,190 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Abilene 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) | $77,868 – $108,189 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,189 – $134,255 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,255 – $159,960 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $159,960 – $208,095 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Abilene
The job market for optometrists in Abilene is solid, but factors influencing actual earnings vary widely. With a cost-of-living index at 96, healthcare professionals here experience favorable purchasing power compared to other regions. Employers such as private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups often provide superior compensation, especially for those engaged in the OD/MD surgical co-management model. Additionally, factors such as practice ownership equity and the presence of residency-trained optometrists can significantly influence salary levels, creating a wide pay spread among peers. To enhance earning potential, aspiring optometrists should consider gaining experience in high-paying environments or specializing in ocular disease through residency programs. By understanding local operational dynamics and building a robust referral network, practitioners in Abilene can strategically position themselves for optimal compensation.
More salary data for Abilene, TX:
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 $130,395 for optometristsin the Abilene 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 Abilene 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