Optometrist Salary in Russellville, AR: $118,095 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Russellville, AR earns a median $118,095/year (≈ $56.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Russellville's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $135,898 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Russellville, Arkansas, optometrists earn a median annual salary of $118,095 in 2026, reflecting the local demand for eye care professionals against the backdrop of an expanding scope of practice that now includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and laser procedures. The salary range for optometrists in the area spans from $71,349 at the 10th percentile to $171,811 at the 90th percentile, illustrating considerable variability in compensation based on factors like experience, practice ownership, and the type of practice setting. These estimates are informed by BLS state-level data and account for regional pricing disparities, making them particularly relevant for those considering optometrist positions in Russellville.
About the Russellville Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,349 | $34.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,556 | $47.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $118,095 | $56.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,496 | $68.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $171,811 | $82.60 |
Median Salary Position
16.01% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Russellville
In Russellville, AR, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $100,462 (2026 est.). At $118,095, the local median is 16.01% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Russellville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Russellville Optometrist Pay Compares
Russellville median: $118,095/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Russellville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $122,252 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -16.01% less |
Optometrists in Russellville, AR earn a median of $118,095 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.01% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.40% below the Arkansas state average of $122,252.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Russellville has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Russellville, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $118,095 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,898 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,794
2025 BLS Actual
$114,700
2026 Current Est.
$118,095
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Russellville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,794 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,146 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,395 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,478 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,744 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,584 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,700 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,095 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,591 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Russellville metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $96,794 (2019) to $114,700 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,591 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,797 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Russellville 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) | $71,349 – $98,556 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,556 – $118,095 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $118,095 – $142,496 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,496 – $171,811 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Russellville
In terms of the job market, there are currently six optometrists employed in Russellville, which suggests a limited yet stable local demand for their services. The cost of living in the area is relatively low, with an index of 86.9, offering potential advantages for purchasing power compared to other locations. However, this can also impact salary expectations, as practitioners in private optometry practices or specialized ophthalmology settings often command higher pay than those employed by retail chains like Walmart Vision and LensCrafters. Factors like practice ownership, the OD/MD collaboration model, and the additional income from surgical referrals can significantly influence pay disparities within the profession. For those seeking to maximize their earnings, pursuing residency training or understanding the implications of transitioning from private to private equity-owned practices can be beneficial strategies in the Russellville optometry market.
More salary data for Russellville, AR:
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 $114,700 for optometristsin the Russellville 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 Russellville 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