Optometrist Salary in Fredericksburg, TX: $126,454 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Fredericksburg, TX earns a median $126,454/year (≈ $60.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Fredericksburg's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $131,723 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.9% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Fredericksburg, Texas, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $126,454 in 2026, reflecting local market dynamics and the impact of various revenue streams, including the OD/MD model which allows for surgical co-management. Salary estimates show a range from $76,031 at the 10th percentile to $179,519 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse spectrum of compensation based on experience, practice setting, and additional qualifications. These figures have been adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, demonstrating how Fredericksburg's economic environment influences earning potential. With a growing demand for optometry services in the area, the job market remains robust, attracting practitioners looking to establish their careers.
About the Fredericksburg Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,031 | $36.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,162 | $50.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,454 | $60.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $150,968 | $72.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $179,519 | $86.31 |
Median Salary Position
10.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fredericksburg
In Fredericksburg, TX, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $103,488 (2026 est.). At $126,454, the local median is 10.07% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fredericksburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fredericksburg Optometrist Pay Compares
Fredericksburg median: $126,454/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fredericksburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $134,383 | -5.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -10.07% less |
Optometrists in Fredericksburg, TX earn a median of $126,454 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.07% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.90% below the Texas state average of $134,383.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fredericksburg 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.
Fredericksburg, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $126,454 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $131,723 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$103,646
2025 BLS Actual
$122,819
2026 Current Est.
$126,454
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Fredericksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,646 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,164 | Actual |
| 2021 | $111,784 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,945 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,583 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,725 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,819 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,454 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,197 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fredericksburg metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $103,646 (2019) to $122,819 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,197 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,551 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fredericksburg 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) | $76,031 – $105,162 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,162 – $126,454 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,454 – $150,968 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $150,968 – $179,519 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg's employment landscape shows a modest count of five optometrists, which can indicate a competitive market among local eye care providers. With a cost-of-living index of 96, practitioners may find their take-home pay affords a comfortable lifestyle relative to national standards. Private practices and ophthalmology setups typically offer higher compensation due to revenues generated from surgical procedures and shared referrals, while retail chains may present lower pay scales but greater job security. Factors driving income variations include ownership stakes in practices, residency training that may garner a premium, and the evolving landscape of optometry where hybrid models and private equity ownership are becoming more common. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in Fredericksburg, pursuing advanced residencies and engaging in collaborative frameworks with ophthalmologists can substantially uplift their professional prospects and financial outcomes.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, 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 $122,819 for optometristsin the Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg 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