Optometrist Salary in Margate, FL: $157,156 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Margate, FL earns a median $157,156/year (≈ $75.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Margate's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $155,909 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Margate, Florida, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $157,156, which is approximately 11.77% higher than the national median of $140,612. The salary range for this profession in Margate varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $91,150 and seasoned professionals potentially earning up to $230,933. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS estimates and adjusted for local cost factors, reflect the increased earnings potential linked to the growing trend of OD/MD surgical co-management. This model not only enhances service offerings but also serves as a robust revenue stream for optometrists, making the profession an attractive option in Margate's job market.
About the Margate Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,150 | $43.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $126,305 | $60.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $157,156 | $75.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $189,670 | $91.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $230,933 | $111.02 |
Median Salary Position
11.77% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Margate
In Margate, FL, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $139,783 (2026 est.). At $157,156, the local median is 11.77% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Margate: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Margate Optometrist Pay Compares
Margate median: $157,156/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Margate Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $161,850 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +11.77% more |
Optometrists in Margate, FL earn a median of $157,156 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.77% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.90% below the Florida state average of $161,850.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Margate has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Margate, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $157,156 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $155,909 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$128,810
2025 BLS Actual
$152,638
2026 Current Est.
$157,156
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Margate (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,810 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,939 | Actual |
| 2021 | $138,924 | Actual |
| 2022 | $140,366 | Actual |
| 2023 | $147,374 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,285 | Actual |
| 2025 | $152,638 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,156 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $161,808 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Margate metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $128,810 (2019) to $152,638 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $161,808 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,998 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Margate 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) | $91,150 – $126,305 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $126,305 – $157,156 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $157,156 – $189,670 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $189,670 – $230,933 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Margate
The local job market currently has 13 optometrists employed in Margate, which may point to a stable yet competitive landscape. With a cost-of-living index of 100.8, slightly above the national average, take-home pay can be impacted by local expenses. Employers such as private optometry practices often pay the most, particularly those integrating residency-trained professionals specializing in ocular disease and working alongside ophthalmology in an OD/MD model. The divergence in salary within Margate can primarily be attributed to factors such as the disparity between ownership equity in private practices and positions within retail chains like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision. For those seeking to maximize their pay, pursuing additional residency training, building strong professional networks, and considering employment with established ophthalmology practices may present advantageous pathways in this particular market.
More salary data for Margate, FL:
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 $152,638 for optometristsin the Margate 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 Margate 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