Senior Optometrist Salary in Lawrence, KS: $187,400 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Lawrence, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $187,400/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Lawrence's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $206,161 in average-cost America. The 45% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced optometrists in Lawrence, Kansas, can expect to see a median annual salary of $129,247, but top earners in the 90th percentile may command up to $187,400. This upper echelon of pay reflects a significant premium, highlighting the gap between median compensation and that of top-tier professionals. Achieving this highest salary not only requires solid clinical experience but also advanced training and specializations that set optometrists apart in a competitive market. In particular, those with extensive expertise in ocular disease or residency-trained roles can maximize their earning potential, positioning themselves favorably against national figures, where the median for optometrists sits at $140,612.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Lawrence earn between $154,473 and $187,400 per year (2026 est.). This $112,437 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lawrence median of $129,247 sits 8.08% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Lawrence | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $129,247 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,473 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $187,400 | $208,165 |
In Lawrence, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 44.99% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Lawrence
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $129,247 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lawrence employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Lawrence command premium compensation, often reaching the $154,473–$187,400 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lawrence metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLawrence ranks #7 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $187,400).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Lawrence ($187,400) is 2.85% below the Kansas average P90 ($192,897).
2019 BLS Actual
$174,738
2025 BLS Actual
$182,012
2026 Current Est.
$187,400
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $174,738 | Actual |
| 2020 | $176,277 | Actual |
| 2021 | $173,199 | Actual |
| 2022 | $172,334 | Actual |
| 2023 | $183,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $173,737 | Actual |
| 2025 | $182,012 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $187,400 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $192,947 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Lawrence saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $174,738 in 2019 to $182,012 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 $192,947 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
A variety of factors influence the senior optometrist pay in KS, making experience and specialization crucial components. For instance, optometrists who focus on ocular disease, low vision rehabilitation, and sports vision typically see higher compensation due to demand for their skills. Additionally, compensation may vary significantly based on workplace settings; private practices and ophthalmology offices may provide more lucrative opportunities compared to retail optical chains. Career advancement options abound for seasoned professionals, including positions as practice owners or multi-location operators. Furthermore, obtaining advanced credentials such as a residency or board certifications can distinguish an optometrist in the job market. Non-salary benefits, such as equity in a practice or shared revenue in OD/MD collaborative models, further enhance the overall compensation for those at the top of their field in Lawrence.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Lawrence in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Lawrence?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Lawrence?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Lawrence?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Lawrence?
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 $182,012 for optometrists in the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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