Senior Optometrist Salary in Derby, KS: $180,554 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Derby, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $180,554/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Derby's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $198,629 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Derby, Kansas, the potential for experienced optometrists to earn a top-tier salary is compelling, with 2026 projections indicating that the highest earners (90th percentile) can make up to $180,554 annually. This is a significant jump from the median salary of $126,041, illustrating the experience premium that can be achieved through over seven years in the profession. By advancing their skills and possibly focusing on specializations such as ocular disease or pediatric optometry, senior optometrists in Derby can bridge the gap between median and top-earning salaries. It’s not only about clinical expertise; reaching these income levels often involves strategic career decisions, such as transitioning to practice ownership or taking on leadership roles within their communities.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derby
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Derby earn between $150,366 and $180,554 per year (2026 est.). This $107,450 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Derby median of $126,041 sits 10.36% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Derby | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $126,041 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,366 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $180,554 | $208,165 |
In Derby, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 43.25% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Derby
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $126,041 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Derby employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Derby command premium compensation, often reaching the $150,366–$180,554 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Derby metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Derby with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Optometrists in Kansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Optometrist Career & Wage Growth Path in Derby
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDerby ranks #12 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $180,554).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Derby ($180,554) is 6.4% below the Kansas average P90 ($192,897).
2019 BLS Actual
$168,355
2025 BLS Actual
$175,363
2026 Current Est.
$180,554
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $168,355 | Actual |
| 2020 | $169,838 | Actual |
| 2021 | $166,872 | Actual |
| 2022 | $166,039 | Actual |
| 2023 | $177,028 | Actual |
| 2024 | $167,335 | Actual |
| 2025 | $175,363 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $180,554 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $185,898 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Derby saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $168,355 in 2019 to $175,363 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.96% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $185,898 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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.
Maximizing Your Optometrist Earnings in Derby
Compensation for senior optometrists in Derby varies widely based on the type of employer. Those engaged in private practices or surgical referral settings, such as OD/MD models, may see higher pay compared to those working in retail optical chains or vision insurance plans. Specializations command premium salaries, with areas like vision therapy and low vision rehabilitation presently offering lucrative opportunities. The path to higher earnings can also include leadership roles; optometrists may advance to become practice owners, partners in multi-location operations, or faculty in residency programs, all of which can provide increased financial rewards. Furthermore, acquiring advanced credentials, such as residency training or additional certifications, could boost their marketability and salary potential significantly in Kansas. Non-salary compensation also plays a role, including equity in private practices or revenue-sharing models that enhance overall financial viability for senior optometrists.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Derby in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Derby?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Derby?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Derby?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Derby?
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $175,363 for optometrists in the Derby metro area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby 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