Ashland vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Ashland, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashland, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,024 | $139,737▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.93 | $67.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,653 | $99,223▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,990 | $131,398▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $126,291 | $164,407▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,033 | $203,171▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ashland.
The salary gap between Ashland and Louisville/Jefferson County is $31,713 (29.36%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -0.62% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $86,380,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $103,948. Louisville/Jefferson County has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville/Jefferson County ($150,135 effective) pays 24.11% more than Ashland ($120,968 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashland if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,737/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,171)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,135)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Ashland grew 1.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 52.9% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Ashland, KY
$103,642 (2024) → $104,918 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$88,760 (2019) → $135,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashland, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Ashland or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ashland and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Ashland to Louisville/Jefferson County as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Ashland vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov