Senior Optometrist Salary in Hurst, TX: $183,261 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Hurst, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $183,261/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Hurst's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $190,897 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hurst, Texas, experienced optometrists can command impressive salaries, with top earners (P90) projected to reach $183,261 in 2026. The median annual salary stands at $130,532, showcasing a substantial gap between the average pay and that of the highest paid professionals in the field. To achieve a senior optometrist pay in TX at this level, practitioners must typically have over seven years of experience and may specialize in areas that demand advanced training, such as ocular disease or pediatric optometry. This experience premium highlights the value placed on specialized skills within the market, illustrating the significant financial rewards for those who consistently expand their expertise and adapt to evolving industry standards in optical care.
About the Hurst Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hurst
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Hurst earn between $153,454 and $183,261 per year (2026 est.). This $107,552 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hurst median of $130,532 sits 7.17% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Hurst | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $130,532 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,454 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $183,261 | $208,165 |
In Hurst, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 40.40% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Hurst
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $130,532 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hurst employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Hurst command premium compensation, often reaching the $153,454–$183,261 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hurst metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Hurst 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 Texas 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 Hurst
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHurst ranks #82 of 109 Texas cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $183,261).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Hurst ($183,261) is 0.8% above the Texas average P90 ($181,806).
2019 BLS Actual
$170,879
2025 BLS Actual
$177,992
2026 Current Est.
$183,261
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $170,879 | Actual |
| 2020 | $172,384 | Actual |
| 2021 | $169,373 | Actual |
| 2022 | $168,528 | Actual |
| 2023 | $179,682 | Actual |
| 2024 | $184,095 | Actual |
| 2025 | $177,992 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $183,261 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $188,685 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Hurst saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $170,879 in 2019 to $177,992 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 $188,685 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hurst 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 Hurst
Compensation for senior optometrists in Hurst can vary widely depending on their practice setting and specialization. In high-demand fields like ocular disease, sports vision, or low-vision rehabilitation, seasoned optometrists find themselves earning higher salaries, often augmented by benefits such as practice ownership equity or partnerships in OD/MD models. For instance, those operating within private ophthalmology practices or multi-location optometry chains might see differing pay structures compared to retail optical environments, which are more common yet less lucrative. Advanced credentials, including an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution and completion of residency training, further enhance earning potential. Furthermore, leadership opportunities, such as consulting roles or faculty positions with residency programs, present additional pathways for career growth, contributing to the diversity and richness in the experienced optometrist salary Hurst offers.
More salary data for Hurst, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Hurst in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Hurst?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Hurst?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Hurst?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Hurst?
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 $177,992 for optometrists in the Hurst 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 Hurst 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