Optometrist Salary in San Angelo, TX: $134,461 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in San Angelo, TX earns a median $134,461/year (≈ $64.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in San Angelo's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $140,064 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in San Angelo, TX, can expect to see a median annual salary of $134,461, a figure that highlights the impact of the local scope of practice, which includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and select laser procedures. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at about $77,987 and experienced practitioners earning up to $204,278. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, mirror the local economic conditions reflected in San Angelo's cost of living index, which is below the national average. This context suggests a stable but competitive environment for optometry jobs in the region, particularly considering the growing demand for comprehensive eye care.
About the San Angelo Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,987 | $37.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,598 | $52.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,461 | $64.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $165,524 | $79.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $204,278 | $98.21 |
Median Salary Position
4.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Angelo
In San Angelo, TX, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $126,291 (2026 est.). At $134,461, the local median is 4.37% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Angelo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Angelo Optometrist Pay Compares
San Angelo median: $134,461/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Angelo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $134,326 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.37% less |
Optometrists in San Angelo, TX earn a median of $134,461 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.37% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.10% above the Texas state average of $134,326.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Angelo 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.
San Angelo, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $134,461 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $140,064 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,208
2025 BLS Actual
$130,595
2026 Current Est.
$134,461
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in San Angelo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,208 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,885 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,862 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,095 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,091 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,622 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,595 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,461 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,441 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Angelo metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $110,208 (2019) to $130,595 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,441 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,233 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Angelo 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) | $77,987 – $108,598 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,598 – $134,461 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,461 – $165,524 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $165,524 – $204,278 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in San Angelo
With 22 optometrists currently employed in San Angelo, the local job market is relatively focused, leading to significant variation in earnings based on practice settings. The cost of living index at 96 indicates that while salaries may be lower than the national median, residents benefit from a slightly lower cost of living, enhancing purchasing power. Among the higher-paying employers, private optometry practices—especially those owned by residency-trained optometrists—tend to offer more competitive compensation compared to retail optical chains and ophthalmology practices. Factors such as ownership equity, residency training, and employment conditions post-acquisition by private equity firms drive substantial salary disparities. Optometrists looking to maximize their pay in San Angelo may focus on acquiring advanced training, networking within local healthcare communities, and exploring partnership opportunities in private practices, which can lead to higher income potential.
More salary data for San Angelo, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in San Angelo, TX in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in San Angelo?
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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 $130,595 for optometristsin the San Angelo 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 San Angelo 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