Senior Optometrist Salary in Bartlesville, OK: $181,692 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Bartlesville, OK — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $181,692/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Bartlesville's price premium (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $204,378 in average-cost America. The 48% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

The earning potential for experienced optometrists in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, reflects both the local market and the robust demand for skilled professionals in the field. In 2026, top earners can expect a striking salary of up to $181,692, with the 75th percentile generating around $143,001. This substantial pay range indicates a notable experience premium, as the median salary stands at $122,637. For those aiming to reach the upper echelons of optometry compensation, a blend of advanced credentials, ongoing professional development, and specializations in areas such as ocular disease or pediatric optometry is essential. Establishing a robust patient base and possibly transitioning into leadership roles or practice ownership further enhances earning potential in Bartlesville.
About the Bartlesville Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bartlesville
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Bartlesville earn between $143,001 and $181,692 per year (2026 est.). This $110,563 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bartlesville median of $122,637 sits 12.78% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Bartlesville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $122,637 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,001 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $181,692 | $208,165 |
In Bartlesville, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 48.15% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Bartlesville
Advanced Certifications in Oklahoma
OK optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $122,637 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bartlesville employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Bartlesville command premium compensation, often reaching the $143,001–$181,692 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bartlesville metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Bartlesville 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 Oklahoma 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 Bartlesville
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBartlesville ranks #9 of 27 Oklahoma cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $181,692).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Bartlesville ($181,692) is 1.14% above the Oklahoma average P90 ($179,644).
2019 BLS Actual
$169,417
2025 BLS Actual
$176,469
2026 Current Est.
$181,692
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Bartlesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $169,417 | Actual |
| 2020 | $170,909 | Actual |
| 2021 | $167,924 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,086 | Actual |
| 2023 | $178,145 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,773 | Actual |
| 2025 | $176,469 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $181,692 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $187,071 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Bartlesville saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $169,417 in 2019 to $176,469 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 $187,071 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bartlesville 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 Bartlesville
Compensation for senior optometrists varies significantly based on specific employer types and areas of specialization. In Bartlesville, optometrists focusing on areas such as ocular disease, vision therapy, or pediatric optometry may command higher salaries, particularly if they are residency-trained. Compensation also demonstrates variance across private practices, retail chains, and medical models—each presenting unique structural advantages and income potential. For instance, optometrists in OD/MD practices often benefit from surgical revenue sharing models. Leadership paths like becoming an associate OD or practice owner not only create avenues for increased earnings but also enhance professional satisfaction. Advanced qualifications such as glaucoma certifications and the completion of residency programs can bolster market competitiveness, providing leverage in negotiations. At this senior level, factors such as practice ownership equity and terms post-acquisition play critical roles in shaping overall compensation packages for top optometrists in Bartlesville, OK.
More salary data for Bartlesville, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Bartlesville in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Bartlesville?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Bartlesville?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Bartlesville?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Bartlesville?
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 $176,469 for optometrists in the Bartlesville 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 Bartlesville 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