Optometrist Salary in Galveston, TX: $134,733 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Galveston, TX earns a median $134,733/year (≈ $64.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Galveston's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $140,347 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Galveston, Texas, can expect a median annual salary of $134,733. This figure reflects local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions. Salaries in this field vary significantly, with the lowest-earning optometrists making around $78,146, while those at the top end can earn up to $197,725. This range highlights the impact of the structural choices facing optometrists in the area, particularly regarding whether they operate independently, join a retail chain, or collaborate with ophthalmology practices. The evolving job market in Galveston indicates opportunities for growth, although optometrists may find their compensation influenced by their employment type and associated costs.
About the Galveston Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,146 | $37.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,387 | $50.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,733 | $64.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,763 | $78.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $197,725 | $95.06 |
Median Salary Position
4.18% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Galveston
In Galveston, TX, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $119,579 (2026 est.). At $134,733, the local median is 4.18% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Galveston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Galveston Optometrist Pay Compares
Galveston median: $134,733/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Galveston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $134,330 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.18% less |
Optometrists in Galveston, TX earn a median of $134,733 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.18% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.30% above the Texas state average of $134,330.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Galveston 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.
Galveston, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $134,733 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $140,347 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,431
2025 BLS Actual
$130,860
2026 Current Est.
$134,733
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Galveston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,431 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,114 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,103 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,339 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,347 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,892 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,733 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,722 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Galveston metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $110,431 (2019) to $130,860 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,722 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,291 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Galveston 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) | $78,146 – $105,387 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,387 – $134,733 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,733 – $162,763 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,763 – $197,725 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Galveston
The local job market currently employs about 10 optometrists, which can suggest a stable demand for eye care professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 96, Galveston's economic conditions indicate that optometrists have slightly lower living costs compared to the national average. Among the various employers, private practices typically offer the highest salaries, especially those that operate independently, as opposed to retail chains like LensCrafters or Visionworks. The disparity in pay often arises from factors such as ownership equity, potential revenue sharing with ophthalmologists, and the influence of practice consolidation through private equity acquisitions. Optometrists looking to maximize their earnings in Galveston might consider enhancing their qualifications with residency training or seeking positions that leverage their expanded scope of practice, particularly in glaucoma management or surgical referrals, driving a higher earning potential in this market.
More salary data for Galveston, 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 $130,860 for optometristsin the Galveston 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 Galveston 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