Optometrist Salary in Weslaco, TX: $130,594 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Weslaco, TX earns a median $130,594/year (≈ $62.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Weslaco's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $136,035 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Weslaco, Texas, the projected median salary for optometrists in 2026 is set at $130,594, reflecting a competitive edge despite being approximately 7.12% below the national median of $140,612. The pay range for optometrists in this region spans from $75,745 at the 10th percentile to $191,193 at the 90th percentile, offering various earning potential based on experience and practice setting. These figures are local estimates based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, incorporating regional cost adjustments. Notably, optometrists who engage in co-management surgical models with ophthalmologists may see higher earnings through shared revenue, adding financial appeal to the profession within Weslaco's healthcare framework.
About the Weslaco Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,745 | $36.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,942 | $52.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,594 | $62.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $158,700 | $76.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $191,193 | $91.92 |
Median Salary Position
7.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Weslaco
In Weslaco, TX, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $115,448 (2026 est.). At $130,594, the local median is 7.12% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Weslaco: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Weslaco Optometrist Pay Compares
Weslaco median: $130,594/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Weslaco Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $134,356 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -7.12% less |
Optometrists in Weslaco, TX earn a median of $130,594 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.12% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.80% below the Texas state average of $134,356.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Weslaco 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.
Weslaco, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $130,594 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,035 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$107,039
2025 BLS Actual
$126,840
2026 Current Est.
$130,594
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Weslaco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,039 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,639 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,444 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,642 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,466 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,809 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,594 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,460 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Weslaco metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $107,039 (2019) to $126,840 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,460 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,421 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Weslaco 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) | $75,745 – $109,942 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,942 – $130,594 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,594 – $158,700 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $158,700 – $191,193 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Weslaco
Currently, there are nine optometrists practicing in Weslaco, contributing to a localized job market that remains viable and specialized. The cost of living index for the area stands at 96, indicating that affordability may enhance the overall purchasing power of optometrists here compared to other regions. While various employers pay differently, private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups typically offer higher compensation than retail chains such as LensCrafters or Walmart Vision. The disparity between lower and higher salaries can often be attributed to factors such as practice ownership, surgical co-management opportunities, and individual residency training, particularly in ocular disease. For those looking to maximize their pay, associations with OD/MD models or pursuing advanced training in high-demand specializations could yield more lucrative positions in Weslaco.
More salary data for Weslaco, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Weslaco?
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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 $126,840 for optometristsin the Weslaco 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 Weslaco 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