Senior Optometrist Salary in Austintown, OH: $185,076 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Austintown, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $185,076/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Austintown's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $204,053 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Austintown, Ohio, offers remarkable opportunities for seasoned optometrists, particularly those aiming for top-tier compensation. In 2026, senior optometrists can expect to see salaries reaching as high as $185,076, with the upper quartile earning around $154,494. This represents a significant step up from the median annual salary of $130,327, illustrating the substantial difference in pay that experienced professionals can achieve. Achieving the highest levels of remuneration in this market often requires a combination of specialized training, substantial clinical experience, and a focus on high-demand areas within optometry. Those who effectively differentiate themselves through patients' advanced care, innovative practices, or leadership positions can capitalize on this potential for increased earnings.
About the Austintown Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Austintown
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Austintown earn between $154,494 and $185,076 per year (2026 est.). This $109,487 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Austintown median of $130,327 sits 7.31% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Austintown | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $130,327 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,494 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $185,076 | $208,165 |
In Austintown, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 42.01% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Austintown
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $130,327 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Austintown employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Austintown command premium compensation, often reaching the $154,494–$185,076 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Austintown metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Austintown 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 Ohio 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 Austintown
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAustintown ranks #49 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $185,076).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Austintown ($185,076) is 9.97% below the Ohio average P90 ($205,565).
2019 BLS Actual
$172,571
2025 BLS Actual
$179,755
2026 Current Est.
$185,076
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Austintown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $172,571 | Actual |
| 2020 | $174,092 | Actual |
| 2021 | $171,051 | Actual |
| 2022 | $170,197 | Actual |
| 2023 | $181,462 | Actual |
| 2024 | $161,821 | Actual |
| 2025 | $179,755 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $185,076 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $190,554 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Austintown saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $172,571 in 2019 to $179,755 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 $190,554 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austintown 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 Austintown
Specialization plays a vital role in determining compensation in Austintown's optometry market. Areas such as ocular disease and pediatric optometry often command premium pay, with residency-trained professionals receiving higher salaries for their specialized knowledge. Senior optometrists working in private practices might find compensation significantly different compared to those in retail optical chains or ophthalmology practices, where the dynamics of patient referral relationships can enhance earnings. Additionally, advanced credentials, including state licensing and residency training in specific fields, can further elevate one’s pay. Career progression opportunities also exist; paths toward becoming a practice owner or a partner in an OD/MD model provide not only potential for higher earnings but also for professional fulfillment. Compensation beyond salary, such as practice equity and revenue-sharing arrangements, should be factored into discussions about overall remuneration in optometry careers in Ohio.
More salary data for Austintown, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Austintown in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Austintown?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Austintown?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Austintown?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Austintown?
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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 $179,755 for optometrists in the Austintown 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 Austintown 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