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Average Optometrists Salary in Missouri

Optometrists in Missouri earn an average annual salary of $121,680, which is below the national average of $141,560. This difference in compensation can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the state's specific economic conditions, the demand for eye care services, and the overall cost of living within Missouri.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $121,680 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $166,240.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 660 Optometrists, Missouri presents a moderately sized professional community. The Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests that the concentration of Optometrists in Missouri is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$121,680

The average Optometrists in Missouri earns-14.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$58.5

Weekly

$2,340

Monthly

$10,140

Optometrists Salary Distribution in Missouri

Salary progression for Optometrists in Missouri typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear career growth trajectory within the state.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$59,990$28.8
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$91,260$43.9
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$113,030$54.3
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$152,100$73.1
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$166,240$79.9

Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$121,680

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$137,647

Adjusted for COL (88.4)

The average annual salary of $121,680 in Missouri is particularly advantageous when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 88.4. This figure, which is below the national average of 100, means that the nominal salary earned by Optometrists in Missouri likely offers a higher purchasing power, making the effective income more substantial than the raw salary figure might suggest.

Job Market Context

660

Total Jobs

0.226

Per 1K Jobs

0.83

Location Quotient

Below Average

Missouri has 0.83x 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 0.83 for Optometrists in Missouri indicates that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand relative to the supply of professionals, implying that the job market is neither overly competitive nor scarce, offering a balanced environment for both new entrants and experienced practitioners.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Optometristss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrists make in Missouri?

The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Missouri is $121,680. This typically ranges from $59,990 for entry-level positions to $166,240 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Missouri is 14.0% lower than the national median of $141,560.

Is Missouri a lucrative place for Optometrists?

Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary is below the national average, the significantly lower cost of living in Missouri enhances the purchasing power of Optometrist earnings, making it financially advantageous.

Is Missouri a good place to live for Optometrists?

With a Cost of Living Index of 88.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

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

Optometrists in Missouri earn an average of $121,680 annually, which is approximately $19,880 less than the national average of $141,560.

What is the concentration of Optometrists in Missouri?

Missouri has a Location Quotient of 0.83 for Optometrists, meaning the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 88.4, Missouri is more affordable than the national average, meaning the $121,680 salary provides greater purchasing power for residents.

What is the total number of Optometrists in Missouri?

There are approximately 660 Optometrists working in Missouri, representing 0.226 jobs per 1,000 workers in the state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 660 employees in the Missouri area with a job density of 0.226 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 Missouri