Optometrist Salary

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.

$181,692
Top 10% Earn
$87.35/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$143,001
75th Percentile
$181,692
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Optometrist Senior Salary in Bartlesville, OK — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Bartlesville, OK optometrist senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for optometrists in Bartlesville. The median salary is $122,637, compared to the national median of $140,612.$64.0K$95.7K$127.4K$159.1K$190.8K$71.1K10th Pctl$97.1K25th Pctl$122.6KMedian$143.0K75th Pctl$181.7K90th PctlUS Median$140.6K

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.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of optometrist pay in the Bartlesville metro area.

Top OD Salary Comparison

LevelBartlesvilleNational
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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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 years
$71,129 – $122,637

Senior/Lead Optometrist

5-10 years
$122,637 – $143,001

Optometrist Department Manager

10+ years
$143,001+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Bartlesville 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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for optometrists in Bartlesville. Baseline $169,417 in 2025, projected to $187,071 by 2027.$151.9K$162.2K$172.4K$182.7K$192.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$169.4K$170.9K$167.9K$167.1K$178.1K$157.8K$176.5K$181.7K$187.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$169,417Actual
2020$170,909Actual
2021$167,924Actual
2022$167,086Actual
2023$178,145Actual
2024$157,773Actual
2025$176,469Actual
2026(current)$181,692Estimated
2027$187,071Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bartlesville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced optometrists make in Bartlesville in 2026?

Top-earning optometrists in Bartlesville (90th percentile) make $181,692/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.96% annual growth). This is $59,055 more than the area median of $122,637 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior optometrists typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher optometrist pay in Bartlesville?

Higher optometrist pay in Bartlesville is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost optometrist salary in Bartlesville?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for optometrists in Bartlesville include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $122,637, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Bartlesville?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Bartlesville is $181,692, well above $100K. Optometrists with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Bartlesville?

In Bartlesville, the gap between entry level ($71,129) and top earners ($181,692) is $110,563, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Oklahoma

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Rajiv Kumar, ODData verified by Sofia Martinez, OD

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).

View estimation methodology

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

Last verified: