Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Sedalia, MO: $70,276 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Sedalia, MO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,276 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sedalia's local price level (BEA RPP 89.6 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,433 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($120,965) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new optometrists entering the workforce in Sedalia, Missouri, the projected starting optometrist salary for 2026 is approximately $70,276, which is considerably below the city's median salary of $120,965. This starting figure represents a realistic expectation that new graduates may face as they embark on their careers. Over the first three to five years, there is a notable growth trajectory where salaries can rise as practitioners gain experience and build their patient bases. With the annual growth rate projected at 2.96%, transitioning from the 10th percentile salary to the 25th percentile ($98,812) is not uncommon, and many new grads can anticipate moving closer to the median as they establish themselves in the market. Given these salaries, Sedalia could offer a favorable environment for those looking to start their careers, especially considering the lower cost of living compared to national averages.
About the Sedalia Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sedalia
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sedalia
Entry-level optometrists in Sedalia, MO typically start between $70,276 and $98,812 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $94,591 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $120,965 — 13.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Missouri of $150,000 represents just 213.44% of the starting optometrist pay ($70,276/year) in Sedalia. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOE-accredited Doctor of Optometry programs. Public school OD programs offer lower in-state tuition, while private institutions carry higher out-of-pocket costs. Totals reflect tuition and fees for the 4-year professional program; clinical rotation travel and living costs add to the total cost of attendance.
OD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Sedalia
- 1Research the Sedalia market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $70,276 to $98,812, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the optometry field — employers in MO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Sedalia, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Sedalia for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sedalia's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Optometrist Compensation Range
The optometrist wage spread in Sedalia is $94,591 ( 134.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,276, experienced hygienists can earn up to $164,867.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,970
2025 BLS Actual
$68,256
2026 Current Est.
$70,276
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Sedalia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,970 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,383 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,149 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,866 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,256 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,276 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,357 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Sedalia, MO grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,970 in 2019 to $68,256 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,357. New graduates entering the Sedalia job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sedalia metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your optometry Career in Sedalia
In Sedalia, various employers are poised to hire new graduates in optometry, including retail chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks, which commonly provide structured training programs for recent ODs. Practices affiliated with the VA system often seek residency-trained optometrists, while private practices may increasingly require new hires to buy in as partners. For new grads, holding an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited school is essential, as well as passing NBEO Parts I-III and securing state licensure, all of which can positively impact starting pay. Continuing education, including pursuing a one-year residency or obtaining glaucoma certification, can also offer a competitive edge in this evolving field. As optometry expands its scope to include new treatments, those early in their careers must be strategic in choosing employment settings that allow for professional growth and maximize their earning potential. Realistically, new optometrists in Sedalia can expect to see salary increases as they capitalize on these expanding opportunities within their first few years.
More salary data for Sedalia, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is optometry school worth it in Sedalia?
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How do I become a optometrist in Missouri?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new optometry graduates. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Sedalia. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sedalia is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov