Optometrist Salary in DeSoto, TX: $134,638 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in DeSoto, TX earns a median $134,638/year (≈ $64.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in DeSoto's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $140,248 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometry practice in Texas is bolstered by a broad scope, allowing for the treatment of glaucoma, prescription of oral medications, and performance of select laser procedures. In DeSoto, the 2026 estimated median salary for optometrists stands at $134,638, which reflects a competitive landscape compared to the national median of $140,612. The earnings range from $78,090 at the lower end (10th percentile) to as high as $205,944 for the top earners (90th percentile), showcasing significant income variation. These estimates are derived from state-level data along with regional adjustments for cost of living, particularly in a city like DeSoto, TX, where the local market supports a small number of optometry professionals. The area's growing demand for eye care services makes it an appealing destination for practitioners seeking to establish or advance their careers.
About the DeSoto Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,090 | $37.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,196 | $50.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,638 | $64.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159,585 | $76.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $205,944 | $99.01 |
Median Salary Position
4.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in DeSoto
In DeSoto, TX, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,854 (2026 est.). At $134,638, the local median is 4.25% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in DeSoto: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How DeSoto Optometrist Pay Compares
DeSoto median: $134,638/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | DeSoto Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $134,369 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.25% less |
Optometrists in DeSoto, TX earn a median of $134,638 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.25% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.20% above the Texas state average of $134,369.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
DeSoto 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.
DeSoto, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $134,638 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $140,248 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,353
2025 BLS Actual
$130,767
2026 Current Est.
$134,638
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in DeSoto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,353 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,034 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,018 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,254 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,257 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,797 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,767 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,638 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,623 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the DeSoto metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $110,353 (2019) to $130,767 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,623 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,270 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeSoto 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) | $78,090 – $105,196 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,196 – $134,638 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,638 – $159,585 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $159,585 – $205,944 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in DeSoto
In terms of the local job market, DeSoto employs only 9 optometrists, indicating a relatively tight employment environment. With a cost-of-living index of 96, the purchasing power for professionals in this area can be favorable compared to urban centers with higher living costs. Employment opportunities span across various settings, including private optometry practices and retail optical chains such as Walmart Vision and Visionworks, with the former often offering higher compensation rates due to potential shared revenue in surgical referrals. The disparity in salaries is influenced by factors such as equity from practice ownership, the integration of OD/MD models, and the presence of residency-trained optometrists who tend to command higher pay. For those looking to maximize their optometrist pay in DeSoto, developing strong relationships with local medical professionals and considering advanced training or specialization can significantly enhance earnings potential.
More salary data for DeSoto, 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 $130,767 for optometristsin the DeSoto 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 DeSoto 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