Optometrist Salary in Hoover, AL: $124,795 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Hoover, AL earns a median $124,795/year (≈ $59.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Hoover's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $141,974 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual pay for optometrists in Hoover, Alabama, is $124,795, reflecting a competitive compensation landscape within the state. This salary range extends from $72,381 at the 10th percentile to $185,117 at the 90th percentile, suggesting a significant disparity based on experience and practice setting. Compensation data confirms that Hoover’s optometrists earn slightly less than the national median of $140,612, with projections indicating an annual growth rate of 2.96% over the next five years. The expanded scope of practice in Alabama, allowing optometrists to manage glaucoma, prescribe oral medications, and perform certain laser procedures, contributes to the attraction of qualified professionals, shaping potential earning potential and job opportunities in the region.
About the Hoover Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,381 | $34.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,608 | $47.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,795 | $59.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $151,656 | $72.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $185,117 | $89.00 |
Median Salary Position
11.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hoover
In Hoover, AL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $112,736 (2026 est.). At $124,795, the local median is 11.25% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hoover: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hoover Optometrist Pay Compares
Hoover median: $124,795/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hoover Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $123,559 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -11.25% less |
Optometrists in Hoover, AL earn a median of $124,795 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.25% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.00% above the Alabama state average of $123,559.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hoover 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.
Hoover, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $124,795 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $141,974 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,285
2025 BLS Actual
$121,207
2026 Current Est.
$124,795
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hoover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,285 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,770 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,317 | Actual |
| 2022 | $111,462 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,027 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,726 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,207 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,795 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,489 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hoover metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $102,285 (2019) to $121,207 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,489 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,204 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hoover 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) | $72,381 – $98,608 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,608 – $124,795 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,795 – $151,656 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $151,656 – $185,117 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Hoover
With only 17 optometrists currently practicing in Hoover, the local job market appears comparatively niche. The cost of living index in Hoover stands at 87.9, which is below the national average, indicating that optometrists may enjoy an enhanced purchasing power relative to their salaries. Job opportunities tend to arise from various work environments, ranging from private practices to larger retail optical chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks. High-paying positions often stem from collaboration with ophthalmologists in OD/MD models, particularly where surgical referral revenue enhances profit margins. Factors influencing salary disparity include ownership equity in private practices, variations in patient volume, and the impact of residency training on performance. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing advanced practice responsibilities or establishing strong ties within the healthcare community in Hoover could be advantageous strategies.
More salary data for Hoover, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $121,207 for optometristsin the Hoover 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 Hoover 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