SalaryNode

Average Optometrists Salary in Alabama

Optometrists in Alabama earn an average annual salary of $125,860, which is below the national average of $141,560. This difference in compensation can be attributed to various regional economic factors, including the overall demand for specialized healthcare professionals and the state's specific economic landscape.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $125,860 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $175,260.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 470 Optometrists, Alabama presents a moderately sized professional community. The Location Quotient of 0.82 indicates that the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not oversaturated job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$125,860

The average Optometrists in Alabama earns-11.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$60.5

Weekly

$2,420

Monthly

$10,488

Optometrists Salary Distribution in Alabama

The salary progression for Optometrists in Alabama typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their expertise and value to employers.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$54,420$26.2
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$94,395$45.4
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$129,700$62.4
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$157,325$75.6
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$175,260$84.3

Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$125,860

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$142,860

Adjusted for COL (88.1)

The average annual salary of $125,860 in Alabama is particularly advantageous when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 88.1. This index, being below the national average of 100, means that the nominal salary offers a stronger purchasing power, allowing Optometrists to enjoy a higher real income compared to areas with a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

470

Total Jobs

0.223

Per 1K Jobs

0.82

Location Quotient

Below Average

Alabama has 0.82x the national average concentration of Optometrists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

An Alabama Location Quotient of 0.82 suggests that Optometrists are slightly less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This could imply a healthy demand for their services, as the supply is not disproportionately high, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for skilled professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Optometrists

CitySalaryDist.
Birmingham, AL Optometrists Salary$136,660↑ 9%50 mi

Comparing salaries near Alabama

Hiring Optometristss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrists make in Alabama?

The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Alabama is $125,860. This typically ranges from $54,420 for entry-level positions to $175,260 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Alabama is 11.1% lower than the national median of $141,560.

Is Alabama a lucrative place for Optometrists?

Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary is below the national average, Alabama's lower cost of living significantly enhances the purchasing power of an Optometrist's income, making it financially advantageous.

Is Alabama a good place to live for Optometrists?

With a Cost of Living Index of 88.1 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Alabama?

Some top paying nearby cities include Birmingham, AL ($136,660) and others.

What is the average salary for an Optometrist in Alabama?

The average annual salary for an Optometrist in Alabama is approximately $125,860.

How does Alabama's cost of living compare to the national average?

Alabama's cost of living index is 88.1, which is lower than the national average of 100, indicating that everyday expenses are generally more affordable.

Is the job market for Optometrists strong in Alabama?

The job market appears stable, with a Location Quotient slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced supply and demand for Optometrists.

How does experience affect an Optometrist's salary in Alabama?

Experience plays a crucial role, with senior Optometrists typically earning significantly more than entry-level practitioners, reflecting career progression and specialized skills.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the Alabama area with a job density of 0.223 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Optometrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alabama