Optometrist Salary in Huntsville, TX: $131,178 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Huntsville, TX earns a median $131,178/year (≈ $63.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Huntsville's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $136,644 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Huntsville, Texas, can expect a median annual salary of $131,178, which is about 6.71% below the national median of $140,612. The compensation varies significantly, ranging from $76,083 at the lower end (P10) to a high of $193,187 (P90) for those at the top of the profession. These figures represent estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for local economic conditions in Huntsville. As optometry practice increasingly incorporates advanced elements like glaucoma management and oral medications, this regional pay reflects the evolving scope of practice and demand for qualified professionals in the area.
About the Huntsville Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,083 | $36.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,158 | $49.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $131,178 | $63.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $152,353 | $73.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,187 | $92.88 |
Median Salary Position
6.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Huntsville
In Huntsville, TX, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,104 (2026 est.). At $131,178, the local median is 6.71% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Huntsville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Huntsville Optometrist Pay Compares
Huntsville median: $131,178/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Huntsville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $134,266 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -6.71% less |
Optometrists in Huntsville, TX earn a median of $131,178 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.71% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.30% below the Texas state average of $134,266.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Huntsville 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.
Huntsville, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $131,178 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,644 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$107,517
2025 BLS Actual
$127,407
2026 Current Est.
$131,178
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Huntsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,517 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,960 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,164 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,013 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,385 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,407 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,178 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,061 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Huntsville metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $107,517 (2019) to $127,407 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,061 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,544 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huntsville 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) | $76,083 – $103,158 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,158 – $131,178 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $131,178 – $152,353 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $152,353 – $193,187 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Huntsville
In terms of the job market, Huntsville has a modest presence of 11 practicing optometrists, which suggests a stable but localized demand for eye care services. The cost of living index in Huntsville is 96, meaning it is slightly below the national average, offering a favorable environment for disposable income after essential expenses. Among local employers, private optometry practices often yield the highest pay, particularly those with strong patient bases or specialty services. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to factors such as ownership equity in practices, different practice models, and varying levels of training, especially for those who have completed residencies focusing on ocular disease. For those looking to maximize their pay in Huntsville's competitive market, pursuing advanced training, developing patient relationships, and considering positions in private practices versus retail chains can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Huntsville, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Huntsville?
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Related Pages
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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 $127,407 for optometristsin the Huntsville 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 Huntsville 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