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Average Optometrists Salary in Arkansas

Optometrists in Arkansas earn an average annual salary of $124,990, which is notably below the national average of $141,560. This differential is often influenced by a combination of factors specific to the state's economic landscape, including the overall demand for specialized healthcare services and the prevailing wage structures within the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $124,990 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $217,800.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 350 Optometrists and a Location Quotient of 1, the job market in Arkansas indicates a stable demand for these professionals, mirroring the national average in terms of concentration. The presence of 0.27 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, need for optometric services across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$124,990

The average Optometrists in Arkansas earns-11.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$60.1

Weekly

$2,404

Monthly

$10,416

Optometrists Salary Distribution in Arkansas

Salary progression for Optometrists in Arkansas, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level practitioners typically earn at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities, rewarding expertise and tenure.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$56,030$26.9
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$93,743$45.1
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$99,970$48.1
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$156,238$75.1
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$217,800$104.7

Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$124,990

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$138,416

Adjusted for COL (90.3)

The average annual salary of $124,990 in Arkansas presents a favorable financial picture when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 90.3. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary offers a relatively strong purchasing power for Optometrists residing in the state, potentially allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.

Job Market Context

350

Total Jobs

0.27

Per 1K Jobs

1

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.00, Arkansas has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Optometrists roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1 for Optometrists in Arkansas indicates that the concentration of these professionals in the state is precisely at the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the supply of Optometrists aligns well with the demand, implying a moderately competitive environment for new entrants but stable opportunities for established practitioners.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Optometrists

CitySalaryDist.
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Optometrists Salary$123,120↓ 1%17 mi

Comparing salaries near Arkansas

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrists make in Arkansas?

The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Arkansas is $124,990. This typically ranges from $56,030 for entry-level positions to $217,800 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Arkansas is 11.7% lower than the national median of $141,560.

Is Arkansas a lucrative place for Optometrists?

Yes, relatively speaking due to cost of living.While the average salary is below the national average, Arkansas's lower cost of living means the $124,990 earned can offer good purchasing power. The stable job market concentration also provides consistent opportunities.

Is Arkansas a good place to live for Optometrists?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.3 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Arkansas?

Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($123,120) and others.

How does the Arkansas Optometrist salary compare to the national average?

Optometrists in Arkansas earn an average of $124,990 annually, which is $16,570 less than the national average of $141,560.

What is the Cost of Living in Arkansas compared to the rest of the US?

Arkansas has a Cost of Living Index of 90.3, meaning it is 9.7% cheaper to live there than the national average of 100.

How concentrated is the Optometrist job market in Arkansas?

The Location Quotient for Optometrists in Arkansas is 1, indicating that the profession is as concentrated in the state as it is nationally.

What is the total number of Optometrists employed in Arkansas?

There are approximately 350 Optometrists employed within the state of Arkansas.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Arkansas area with a job density of 0.27 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 Arkansas