Optometrist Salary in Little Elm, TX: $130,334 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Little Elm, TX earns a median $130,334/year (≈ $62.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Little Elm's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $135,765 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Little Elm, Texas, is projected to reach a median annual income of $130,334, which is slightly below the national median of $140,612. This salary range reflects significant variability, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $75,593 and high earners making up to $182,599. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, reflecting the local cost-of-living adjustments and market conditions specific to the area. As the OD/MD model continues to facilitate surgical co-management, revenue opportunities in Little Elm could support higher earnings for optometrists willing to engage in collaborative practices with ophthalmologists.
About the Little Elm Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,593 | $36.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,405 | $52.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,334 | $62.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $152,986 | $73.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $182,599 | $87.78 |
Median Salary Position
7.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Little Elm
In Little Elm, TX, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,006 (2026 est.). At $130,334, the local median is 7.31% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Little Elm: You'd be above the median
How Little Elm Optometrist Pay Compares
Little Elm median: $130,334/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Little Elm Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $134,365 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -7.31% less |
Optometrists in Little Elm, TX earn a median of $130,334 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.31% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.00% below the Texas state average of $134,365.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Little Elm 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.
Little Elm, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $130,334 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,765 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,825
2025 BLS Actual
$126,587
2026 Current Est.
$130,334
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Little Elm (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,825 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,421 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,214 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,221 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,552 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,587 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,334 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,192 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Little Elm metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $106,825 (2019) to $126,587 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,192 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,367 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Little Elm 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) | $75,593 – $109,405 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,405 – $130,334 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,334 – $152,986 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $152,986 – $182,599 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Little Elm
With 12 optometrists currently employed in Little Elm, the local market shows both stability and potential for growth. The cost of living index in the area stands at 96, which is below the national average and can provide a more favorable take-home pay for optometrists compared to many other locations. Among employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups are likely to offer better compensation due to the potential for revenue sharing from surgical co-management referrals. In contrast, retail optical chains may provide more standardized pay structures. The disparity between higher and lower salaries largely stems from factors like practice ownership, the integration of residency training into clinical practice, and competitive employment offers from private equity acquisitions of former independent practices. For those in Little Elm, maximizing pay may involve seeking collaborative roles in surgical or specialty practices, engaging in continuing education, and pursuing advanced training in ocular disease management.
More salary data for Little Elm, 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 $126,587 for optometristsin the Little Elm 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 Little Elm 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