Optometrist Salary in Anderson, IN: $135,690 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Anderson, IN earns a median $135,690/year (≈ $65.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Anderson's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $148,620 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Anderson, Indiana are projected to earn a median annual salary of $135,690, which is slightly below the national median of $140,612. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, with the lowest earners making approximately $78,701 and the highest reaching about $206,012. This data, derived from 2025 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) and adjusted for regional price parity, reflects the growing scope of practice for optometrists in Indiana, including glaucoma management and prescribing oral medications. With 11 optometrists currently practicing in Anderson, the local job market demonstrates a steady demand for eye care professionals, making it a relevant option for those considering a career in optometry.
About the Anderson Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,701 | $37.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,056 | $52.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,690 | $65.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $167,736 | $80.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $206,012 | $99.05 |
Median Salary Position
3.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Anderson
In Anderson, IN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,311 (2026 est.). At $135,690, the local median is 3.5% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Anderson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Anderson Optometrist Pay Compares
Anderson median: $135,690/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Anderson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $138,884 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -3.50% less |
Optometrists in Anderson, IN earn a median of $135,690 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.50% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.30% below the Indiana state average of $138,884.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Anderson has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Anderson, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $135,690 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $148,620 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$111,215
2025 BLS Actual
$131,789
2026 Current Est.
$135,690
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Anderson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,215 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,917 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,949 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,193 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,244 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,013 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,789 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,690 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,706 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Anderson metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $111,215 (2019) to $131,789 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,706 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,491 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anderson 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) | $78,701 – $110,056 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,056 – $135,690 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,690 – $167,736 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $167,736 – $206,012 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Anderson
The job market for optometrists in Anderson, IN shows promise, particularly in light of the region's cost of living index of 91.3. This figure suggests that take-home pay may stretch further than in many areas, benefiting local practitioners. Among employers, private practice settings often offer the highest compensation due to equity opportunities and more lucrative referral models, particularly those involving ophthalmology partnerships. The variation in wages is influenced by factors such as practice ownership and additional training in residency programs. For those seeking to maximize their optometrist pay in Anderson, aligning with practices that emphasize ocular diseases and referrals, along with considering roles in military or VA medical facilities, can be advantageous steps to increase their salary profile.
More salary data for Anderson, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Anderson, IN in 2026?
Is Anderson, IN a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Anderson?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Anderson?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Anderson?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Indiana
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 $131,789 for optometristsin the Anderson 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 Anderson 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