SalaryNode

Average Optometrists Salary in Kentucky

Optometrists in Kentucky earn an impressive average annual salary of $154,120, surpassing the national average of $141,560. This elevated compensation in the Bluegrass State can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the specific demand for eye care professionals and the overall economic landscape of the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $154,120 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $231,180.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 500 optometrists and a Location Quotient of 0.93, Kentucky presents a stable, albeit slightly below national average concentration, job market for these professionals. The presence of 0.253 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit not booming, demand for optometric services within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$154,120

The average Optometrists in Kentucky earns+8.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$74.1

Weekly

$2,964

Monthly

$12,843

Optometrists Salary Distribution in Kentucky

Career progression for optometrists in Kentucky typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise, build a patient base, and potentially specialize, their earning potential escalates. The salary distribution, with higher percentiles representing senior roles, clearly signifies substantial career advancement opportunities and rewards for seasoned practitioners.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$51,880$24.9
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$115,590$55.6
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$132,000$63.5
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$192,650$92.6
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$231,180$111.1

Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$154,120

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$171,626

Adjusted for COL (89.8)

The average annual salary of $154,120 in Kentucky offers considerable purchasing power, especially when contrasted with the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.8. This figure, which is below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal income earned by optometrists in Kentucky translates into a higher real income, allowing for a better standard of living compared to many other states.

Job Market Context

500

Total Jobs

0.253

Per 1K Jobs

0.93

Location Quotient

Below Average

Kentucky has 0.93x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.93 indicates that optometrists are slightly less concentrated in Kentucky compared to the national average. This suggests a job market that is neither oversaturated nor critically undersupplied, implying a healthy balance where opportunities exist for qualified professionals without intense competition for every available position.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Optometrists

CitySalaryDist.
Lexington-Fayette, KY Optometrists Salary$168,960↑ 10%28 mi
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Optometrists Salary$152,140↓ 1%72 mi
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Optometrists Salary$147,980↓ 4%100 mi

Comparing salaries near Kentucky

Hiring Optometristss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrists make in Kentucky?

The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Kentucky is $154,120. This typically ranges from $51,880 for entry-level positions to $231,180 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kentucky is 8.9% higher than the national median of $141,560.

Is Kentucky a lucrative place for Optometrists?

Yes, Kentucky offers a lucrative environment for Optometrists.Optometrists in Kentucky earn significantly above the national average salary and benefit from a lower cost of living, enhancing their overall financial well-being.

Is Kentucky a good place to live for Optometrists?

With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Kentucky?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($168,960) and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN.

How does Kentucky's optometrist salary compare to the national average?

Optometrists in Kentucky earn an average of $154,120 annually, which is higher than the national average of $141,560.

What is the concentration of optometrists in Kentucky?

Kentucky has a Location Quotient of 0.93 for optometrists, indicating a concentration slightly below the national average.

How does the cost of living in Kentucky affect an optometrist's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8, Kentucky's lower cost of living means that the average optometrist salary of $154,120 provides greater purchasing power than in higher-cost states.

What is the total number of optometrists in Kentucky?

There are approximately 500 optometrists employed within Kentucky.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the Kentucky area with a job density of 0.253 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 Kentucky