Optometrist Salary in Auburn, AL: $120,831 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Auburn, AL earns a median $120,831/year (≈ $58.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Auburn's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $137,464 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated compensation for optometrists in Auburn, Alabama, stands at $120,831, reflecting the potential for significant earnings tied to surgical co-management revenue under the OD/MD model. Within a diverse salary range of $70,082 at the lower end to $178,695 at the upper tier, these figures are informed by local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price fluctuations. While this local median appears lower compared to the national average of $140,612, Auburn's job market offers unique opportunities for efficiency gains through collaborative practice models, particularly benefiting those who have established relationships within the ophthalmology sector.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,082 | $33.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,027 | $47.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $120,831 | $58.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,437 | $71.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $178,695 | $85.91 |
Median Salary Position
14.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn
In Auburn, AL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,613 (2026 est.). At $120,831, the local median is 14.07% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Auburn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Auburn Optometrist Pay Compares
Auburn median: $120,831/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Auburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $123,549 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -14.07% less |
Optometrists in Auburn, AL earn a median of $120,831 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.07% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.20% below the Alabama state average of $123,549.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Auburn has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Auburn, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $120,831 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $137,464 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,036
2025 BLS Actual
$117,357
2026 Current Est.
$120,831
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,036 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,442 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,813 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,922 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,399 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,357 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,831 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,407 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Auburn metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $99,036 (2019) to $117,357 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $124,407 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,371 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $70,082 – $98,027 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,027 – $120,831 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $120,831 – $149,437 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,437 – $178,695 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Auburn
Across Auburn, optometry employment totals 16 professionals, creating a niche local market characterized by specific demand for high-quality eye care services. Given the cost of living index of 87.9, optometrists can enjoy a more favorable purchasing power compared to national averages, although competition can influence overall take-home earnings. Professionals seeking to maximize their potential pay in Auburn should consider employment opportunities with ophthalmology practices that offer surgical co-management revenue, typically yielding higher income streams than private retail chains or standalone practices. Factors such as ownership equity, advanced residency training in ocular disease, and leveraging connections with vision insurance plans can drive considerable variations in compensation for optometrists in this dynamic market.
More salary data for Auburn, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $117,357 for optometristsin the Auburn metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Auburn 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