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Average Optometrists Salary in Texas

Optometrists in Texas earn an average annual salary of $132,370, which is slightly below the national average of $141,560. This difference in compensation can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the state's specific economic landscape, the demand for eye care services, and the overall cost of living within Texas.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $132,370 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $177,360.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,180 Optometrists and a Location Quotient of 0.84, the job market in Texas indicates a stable, though not exceptionally concentrated, demand for these professionals. The presence of a significant number of practitioners suggests a robust need for eye care services across the state, providing a solid foundation for career opportunities.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$132,370

The average Optometrists in Texas earns-6.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$63.6

Weekly

$2,546

Monthly

$11,031

Optometrists Salary Distribution in Texas

Salary progression for Optometrists in Texas typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their accumulated knowledge and patient base.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$44,610$21.4
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$99,278$47.7
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$128,360$61.7
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$165,463$79.5
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$177,360$85.3

Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$132,370

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$142,333

Adjusted for COL (93)

The average annual salary of $132,370 in Texas offers a strong purchasing power, especially when considering the state's Cost of Living Index of 93. This means that the nominal salary can translate into a higher real income compared to areas with a higher cost of living, making Texas an economically attractive location for Optometrists.

Job Market Context

3,180

Total Jobs

0.229

Per 1K Jobs

0.84

Location Quotient

Below Average

Texas has 0.84x 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 0.84 suggests that Optometrists are slightly less concentrated in Texas compared to the national average. This indicates a healthy job market where demand is present but not oversaturated, offering good opportunities for skilled professionals without intense competition.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Optometrists

Comparing salaries near Texas

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrists make in Texas?

The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Texas is $132,370. This typically ranges from $44,610 for entry-level positions to $177,360 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Texas is 6.5% lower than the national median of $141,560.

Is Texas a lucrative place for Optometrists?

Yes, Texas offers a good financial standing for Optometrists.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the lower cost of living in Texas enhances the real value of the $132,370 annual income, making it financially advantageous.

Is Texas a good place to live for Optometrists?

With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Texas?

Some top paying nearby cities include Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX ($139,340) and others.

How does the Texas Optometrist salary compare to the national average?

Optometrists in Texas earn an average of $132,370 annually, which is approximately $9,190 less than the national average of $141,560.

What is the concentration of Optometrists in Texas?

Texas has a Location Quotient of 0.84 for Optometrists, indicating that the profession is slightly less concentrated in the state compared to the national average.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (100 being the national average), the $132,370 salary in Texas provides greater purchasing power than the same nominal salary in a higher cost-of-living area.

What is the total number of Optometrists in Texas?

There are approximately 3,180 Optometrists working in Texas, representing a significant professional community within 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 3,180 employees in the Texas area with a job density of 0.229 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.