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Average Optometrists Salary in Florida

Optometrists in Florida earn an average annual salary of $132,350, which is slightly below the national average of $141,560. This difference can be attributed to a variety of regional economic factors, including the specific demand within Florida's healthcare sector and the overall cost of doing business for practices in the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $132,350 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $205,020.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 2,280 Optometrists, Florida presents a substantial, though not overwhelmingly concentrated, market for these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.86 suggests that the concentration of optometrists in Florida is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$132,350

The average Optometrists in Florida earns-6.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$63.6

Weekly

$2,545

Monthly

$11,029

Optometrists Salary Distribution in Florida

The career trajectory for Optometrists in Florida typically shows a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into 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)$52,610$25.3
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$99,263$47.7
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$129,500$62.3
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$165,438$79.5
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$205,020$98.6

Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$132,350

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$129,374

Adjusted for COL (102.3)

An average annual salary of $132,350 in Florida needs to be considered alongside the state's Cost of Living Index of 102.3. This index, slightly above the national average, means that while the nominal salary is robust, the purchasing power might be marginally less than in a lower-cost-of-living area with a comparable salary.

Job Market Context

2,280

Total Jobs

0.232

Per 1K Jobs

0.86

Location Quotient

Below Average

Florida has 0.86x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.86 for Optometrists in Florida indicates that the profession is present in the state at a rate slightly lower than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market, where opportunities exist but are not as densely concentrated as in some other states, potentially offering a balanced job market for skilled professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Optometrists

CitySalaryDist.
Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Optometrists Salary$141,250↑ 7%26 mi
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Optometrists Salary$133,490↑ 1%49 mi
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Optometrists Salary$158,780↑ 20%57 mi
North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL Optometrists Salary$137,900↑ 4%58 mi

Comparing salaries near Florida

Hiring Optometristss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrists make in Florida?

The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Florida is $132,350. This typically ranges from $52,610 for entry-level positions to $205,020 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Florida is 6.5% lower than the national median of $141,560.

Is Florida a lucrative place for Optometrists?

Yes, Florida offers a lucrative environment for Optometrists.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, it remains a strong figure, and the cost of living is only marginally higher, ensuring good earning potential.

Is Florida a good place to live for Optometrists?

The Cost of Living Index in Florida is 102.3. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Florida?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($141,250) and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL.

How does Florida's Optometrist salary compare to the national average?

Optometrists in Florida earn an average of $132,350 annually, which is approximately $9,210 less than the national average of $141,560.

What is the concentration of Optometrists in Florida?

Florida has a Location Quotient of 0.86 for Optometrists, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living affect an Optometrist's salary in Florida?

With a Cost of Living Index of 102.3, Florida is slightly more expensive than the national average, meaning the $132,350 salary may have slightly less purchasing power than in a lower-cost area.

What is the total number of Optometrists in Florida?

There are approximately 2,280 Optometrists working in Florida.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,280 employees in the Florida area with a job density of 0.232 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 Florida