Average Optometrists Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Optometrists in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area earn an average annual salary of $133,490. This figure is slightly below the national average of $141,560, suggesting a localized market dynamic influencing compensation. Factors such as regional demand, the cost of doing business, and the concentration of practices likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $133,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $206,230.
- Outlook: The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater region supports a local workforce of 360 Optometrists, with a location quotient of 0.91 indicating a presence very close to the national average concentration. This suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for eye care professionals in the area, reflecting a mature market where opportunities are consistent with national trends.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL earns-5.7%below the national average.
$64.2
$2,567
$11,124
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Tampa's optometrist salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth and increasing healthcare needs typically drive salary increases for specialized professions like optometry, suggesting that current earnings are likely higher than they were four years ago.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
The career trajectory for an Optometrist typically involves salary growth with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or practice ownership can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial earning potential and career progression within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $51,400 | $24.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $100,118 | $48.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $131,310 | $63.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $166,863 | $80.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $206,230 | $99.1 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$133,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$133,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
An average annual salary of $133,490 in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (index of 100). This means that the purchasing power of an optometrist's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to living expenses.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
0.247
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL has 0.91x 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.
With a location quotient of 0.91, the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area exhibits a job market for Optometrists that is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a competitive but not oversaturated market, where opportunities are readily available for qualified professionals, and the demand is stable.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Optometrists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Optometrists Salary | $141,250↑ 6% | 32 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Hiring Optometristss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $133,490. This typically ranges from $51,400 for entry-level positions to $206,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 5.7% lower than the national median of $141,560.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a lucrative place for Optometrists?
Yes, it offers a competitive salary with an average of $133,490.While slightly below the national average, the salary is robust, especially considering the cost of living is exactly at the national average. This provides good purchasing power for professionals in the region.
Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a good place to live for Optometrists?
The Cost of Living Index in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($141,250) and others.
How does the Tampa Optometrist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Optometrists in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $133,490, which is slightly lower than the national average of $141,560.
What is the cost of living in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL for Optometrists?
The cost of living index in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that living expenses are comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the Optometrist job market in Tampa?
The job market concentration, measured by the location quotient, is 0.91, indicating that the presence of Optometrists in Tampa is very close to the national average concentration.
How many Optometrists are there in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area?
The total local workforce for Optometrists in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area is approximately 360 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area with a job density of 0.247 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 Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL