Optometrist Salary in Searcy, AR: $116,336 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Searcy, AR earns a median $116,336/year (≈ $55.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Searcy's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $133,873 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Searcy, Arkansas, the projected median annual optometrist salary for 2026 is set at $116,336, reflecting a significant variance when compared to the national median of $140,612. Local salaries range from $67,475 at the lower end to $156,686 at the higher end. These figures, which stem from estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight the impact of practice structure on income potential. Optometrists in Searcy may find varying compensation levels based on whether they are employed in private practices, retail chains, or ophthalmology clinics, with ownership models tending to provide better financial returns. This dynamic impacts the local job market, influencing employment opportunities for the current five optometrists in the area.
About the Searcy Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,475 | $32.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $93,799 | $45.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $116,336 | $55.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $133,647 | $64.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $156,686 | $75.33 |
Median Salary Position
17.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Searcy
In Searcy, AR, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $89,211 (2026 est.). At $116,336, the local median is 17.26% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Searcy: You'd be above the median
How Searcy Optometrist Pay Compares
Searcy median: $116,336/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Searcy Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $122,201 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -17.26% less |
Optometrists in Searcy, AR earn a median of $116,336 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.26% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.80% below the Arkansas state average of $122,201.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Searcy 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.
Searcy, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $116,336 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $133,873 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$95,352
2025 BLS Actual
$112,991
2026 Current Est.
$116,336
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Searcy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,352 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,669 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,839 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,907 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,094 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,145 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,991 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,336 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119,779 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Searcy metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $95,352 (2019) to $112,991 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $119,779 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,427 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Searcy 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) | $67,475 – $93,799 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $93,799 – $116,336 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $116,336 – $133,647 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $133,647 – $156,686 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Searcy
Within Searcy's evolving job market, optometrists can expect to navigate specific challenges and advantages. The cost-of-living index stands at 86.9, indicating a lower cost environment that can enhance take-home pay relative to national trends. Practitioners looking to maximize their earning potential should consider aligning themselves with private optometry practices, which often yield higher pay compared to retail chains like LensCrafters or Visionworks. Additional factors affecting income include practice ownership, collaboration in OD/MD models, and residency training, which can command premium compensation. By strategically pursuing continuing education or specializing in areas like ocular disease, optometrists in Searcy can position themselves favorably in a market where the annual growth rate is projected at 2.96%. Leveraging such credentials along with an understanding of local healthcare dynamics can lead to better financial outcomes in the region.
More salary data for Searcy, 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 $112,991 for optometristsin the Searcy 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 Searcy 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