Optometrist Salary in Friendswood, TX: $129,834 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Friendswood, TX earns a median $129,834/year (≈ $62.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Friendswood's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $135,244 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Friendswood, Texas, the optometrist salary is projected to reach a median annual income of $129,834 in 2026. This figure falls slightly below the national median salary of $140,612, indicating a local market that is competitive yet distinct in its compensation structure. The salary range for optometrists in this area spans from $77,927 at the 10th percentile to $188,930 at the 90th percentile, revealing the diverse earning potential based on experience, practice setting, and specialization. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, highlight a sector influenced not only by traditional optometric services but also by revenue opportunities in the OD/MD surgical co-management model prevalent in Texas. Friendswood's current employment of eight optometrists suggests a stable, albeit niche, job market that can support new practitioners as they establish themselves.
About the Friendswood Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,927 | $37.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,378 | $52.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,834 | $62.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,683 | $75.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $188,930 | $90.83 |
Median Salary Position
7.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Friendswood
In Friendswood, TX, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $111,003 (2026 est.). At $129,834, the local median is 7.67% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Friendswood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Friendswood Optometrist Pay Compares
Friendswood median: $129,834/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Friendswood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $134,264 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -7.67% less |
Optometrists in Friendswood, TX earn a median of $129,834 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.67% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.30% below the Texas state average of $134,264.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Friendswood 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.
Friendswood, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $129,834 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,244 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,415
2025 BLS Actual
$126,101
2026 Current Est.
$129,834
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Friendswood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,415 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,001 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,772 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,963 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,752 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,058 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,101 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,834 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,677 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Friendswood metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $106,415 (2019) to $126,101 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,677 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,262 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Friendswood 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) | $77,927 – $108,378 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,378 – $129,834 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,834 – $156,683 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,683 – $188,930 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Friendswood
The local job market in Friendswood presents both unique challenges and opportunities for optometrists. With a cost-of-living index of 96, living expenses are generally below the national average, enhancing the real purchasing power of local salaries. Those seeking positions with the highest compensation may find that ophthalmology practices, particularly those integrating OD/MD models that share revenue from surgical referrals, tend to offer top-tier salaries. In contrast, retail optical chains might provide entry-level opportunities with comparatively lower pay. Additionally, residency-trained optometrists often command a premium due to their advanced skills in ocular disease management and potential partnerships with various practices. To maximize earning potential in Friendswood, aspiring optometrists should consider focusing on surgical co-management, pursuing residency training, or seeking positions with private practices that retain a strong patient base, keeping in mind the evolving landscape of the optometry field.
More salary data for Friendswood, 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 $126,101 for optometristsin the Friendswood 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 Friendswood 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