Average Optometrists Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Yes, Lexington-Fayette, KY is a highly lucrative market for Optometristss. With an average annual salary of $168,960, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $168,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $253,440.
- Outlook: The current demand for Optometristss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 50 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lexington-Fayette, KY economy.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns+19.4%above the national average.
$81.2
$3,249
$14,080
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Optometrists salaries in Lexington-Fayette, KY have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 37.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY
The earning potential for Optometristss in Lexington-Fayette, KY varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.7x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $94,820, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $253,440.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $94,820 | $45.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $126,720 | $60.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $132,700 | $63.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $211,200 | $101.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $253,440 | $121.8 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$168,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$168,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lexington-Fayette, KY, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $168,960 to $168,960.
Job Market Context
50
Total Jobs
0.165
Per 1K Jobs
0.61
Location Quotient
Lexington-Fayette, KY has 0.61x 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.
50 people work as Optometrists in Lexington-Fayette, KY.
Only 0.165 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Optometrists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Optometrists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Optometrists Salary | $139,300↓ 18% | 28 mi |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Optometrists Salary | $128,980↓ 24% | 28 mi |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Optometrists Salary | $136,120↓ 19% | 28 mi |
| East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Optometrists Salary | $134,810↓ 20% | 28 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Optometrists Salary | $152,140↓ 10% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY
Hiring Optometristss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $168,960. This typically ranges from $94,820 for entry-level positions to $253,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 19.4% higher than the national median of $141,560.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place for Optometristss?
Yes, Lexington-Fayette, KY is financially attractive for Optometristss. The average salary of $168,960 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Optometrists?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($139,300) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 50 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 0.165 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Optometrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY