Optometrist Salary in Murphy, TX: $124,172 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Murphy, TX earns a median $124,172/year (≈ $59.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Murphy's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $129,346 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Murphy, Texas, the projected optometrist salary in Murphy for 2026 stands at $124,172, which reflects a significant local earning potential when compared to the national median of $140,612. This compensation encompasses a range that starts at $74,692 for the lowest 10% and peaks at $176,017 for the top earners. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, take into account regional cost adjustments, offering insight into the job market's competitiveness. During an era where the OD/MD model contributes significantly to compensation through surgical co-management revenue, Murphy's optometrists are well-positioned within the larger healthcare framework, providing quality care as the demand for comprehensive eye services continues to rise.
About the Murphy Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,692 | $35.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,288 | $49.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,172 | $59.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $148,452 | $71.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $176,017 | $84.62 |
Median Salary Position
11.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murphy
In Murphy, TX, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $101,325 (2026 est.). At $124,172, the local median is 11.69% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murphy: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Murphy Optometrist Pay Compares
Murphy median: $124,172/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murphy Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $134,385 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -11.69% less |
Optometrists in Murphy, TX earn a median of $124,172 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.69% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.60% below the Texas state average of $134,385.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murphy 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.
Murphy, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $124,172 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $129,346 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$101,775
2025 BLS Actual
$120,602
2026 Current Est.
$124,172
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Murphy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,775 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,247 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,767 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,906 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,443 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,474 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,602 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,172 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,847 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murphy metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $101,775 (2019) to $120,602 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,847 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,072 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murphy 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) | $74,692 – $103,288 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,288 – $124,172 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,172 – $148,452 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $148,452 – $176,017 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Murphy
Looking at the local job market, only five optometrists are currently employed in Murphy, TX, suggesting an intimate professional community but also limited opportunities for growth. The cost-of-living index at 96 indicates that living expenses are below the national average, affecting overall purchasing power for optometrists in the area. Higher compensation typically aligns with private optometry practices, particularly those adhering to the OD/MD model, which allows optometrists to share in surgical referrals. Factors influencing the wage gap include clinical residency training in ocular disease or the post-acquisition terms set by private equity-owned practices. To maximize pay, optometrists should consider joining practices that emphasize surgical co-management or explore partnerships with ophthalmologists, which can enhance income through active patient referrals and expanded scope of practice.
More salary data for Murphy, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Murphy?
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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 $120,602 for optometristsin the Murphy 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 Murphy 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