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Average Optometrists Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL

Optometrists in the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $131,030. This figure is slightly below the national average of $141,560, reflecting a nuanced balance between local demand and economic factors. The specific compensation in St. Louis is influenced by the region's unique economic landscape and the concentration of healthcare services.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $131,030 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $170,600.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 350 Optometrists and a Location Quotient of 0.97, the St. Louis market indicates a stable, albeit slightly less concentrated, demand for these professionals compared to the national average. The presence of 0.264 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent need for eye care specialists, positioning the market as moderately robust for those entering or established in the field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$131,030

The average Optometrists in St. Louis, MO-IL earns-7.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$63

Weekly

$2,520

Monthly

$10,919

Optometrists Salary Distribution in St. Louis, MO-IL

The career path for Optometrists in St. Louis typically involves significant salary progression from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is absent, the expected increase in earning potential with experience, specialized skills, and years in practice is a standard industry characteristic. Advanced roles and leadership positions would command higher salaries, reflecting greater responsibility and expertise.

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)$98,273$47.2
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$130,620$62.8
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$163,788$78.7
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$170,600$82

Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$131,030

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$131,030

Adjusted for COL (100)

An average annual salary of $131,030 in St. Louis aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Optometrist's salary in St. Louis is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.

Job Market Context

350

Total Jobs

0.264

Per 1K Jobs

0.97

Location Quotient

Below Average

St. Louis, MO-IL has 0.97x 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 0.97 for Optometrists in St. Louis suggests that the profession is nearly as concentrated as it is nationally. This indicates a competitive yet accessible job market, where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated. Employers can expect a steady pool of qualified candidates, while job seekers will find opportunities without facing extreme competition.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Optometristss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrists make in St. Louis, MO-IL?

The median annual salary for a Optometrists in St. Louis, MO-IL is $131,030. This typically ranges from $59,990 for entry-level positions to $170,600 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in St. Louis, MO-IL is 7.4% lower than the national median of $141,560.

Is St. Louis, MO-IL a lucrative place for Optometrists?

Yes, St. Louis offers a competitive salary for Optometrists.Optometrists in St. Louis earn an average of $131,030, which is competitive within a cost of living that matches the national average.

Is St. Louis, MO-IL a good place to live for Optometrists?

The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the St. Louis Optometrist salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for Optometrists in St. Louis is $131,030, which is slightly lower than the national average of $141,560.

What is the Cost of Living in St. Louis, MO-IL?

The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment for salaries.

How concentrated is the Optometrist job market in St. Louis?

The Location Quotient of 0.97 indicates that the Optometrist job market in St. Louis is nearly as concentrated as the national average, suggesting a stable level of demand.

What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers suggest for Optometrists in St. Louis?

With 0.264 jobs per 1,000 workers, the data suggests a consistent presence and demand for Optometrists within the St. Louis workforce.

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 St. Louis, MO-IL area with a job density of 0.264 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 St. Louis, MO-IL