Optometrist Salary in Bloomington, IN: $137,593 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Bloomington, IN earns a median $137,593/year (≈ $66.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Bloomington's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $150,704 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Bloomington, Indiana is projected to reach a median of $137,593, slightly below the national figure of $140,612. Compensation in the region spans from $79,803 at the lower end to $207,249 at the upper tier, indicating a significant disparity that reflects different employment settings and levels of experience. These estimates utilize figures derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional price differences. Optometrists in Bloomington benefit from the evolving role in ocular health management, particularly the OD/MD collaborative model, which enhances revenue through surgical co-management. As Bloomington continues to adapt to these industry changes, the local market shows promise for those entering the field.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,803 | $38.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,885 | $54.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,593 | $66.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,415 | $81.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $207,249 | $99.63 |
Median Salary Position
2.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bloomington
In Bloomington, IN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,446 (2026 est.). At $137,593, the local median is 2.15% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bloomington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bloomington Optometrist Pay Compares
Bloomington median: $137,593/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bloomington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $138,842 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -2.15% less |
Optometrists in Bloomington, IN earn a median of $137,593 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.15% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% below the Indiana state average of $138,842.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bloomington 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.
Bloomington, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $137,593 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,704 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,775
2025 BLS Actual
$133,637
2026 Current Est.
$137,593
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,775 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,515 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,631 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,893 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,028 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,639 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,637 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,593 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,665 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bloomington metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $112,775 (2019) to $133,637 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,665 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,890 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington 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) | $79,803 – $113,885 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,885 – $137,593 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,593 – $169,415 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,415 – $207,249 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Bloomington
The job market for optometrists in Bloomington features just 13 professionals, reflecting a niche but vital component of local healthcare. The cost of living index sits at 91.3, meaning residents enjoy a more affordable lifestyle, which positively influences the take-home pay for optometrists compared to urban centers. In this environment, private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups tend to offer some of the most lucrative positions, particularly for those involved in the OD/MD surgical model. The pay gap between the lower and higher end stems from several factors, including ownership stakes in practices and the variability in practice settings from retail chains to independent clinics. To maximize earnings, optometrists should consider opportunities within the surgical co-management sector, pursue residency training that enhances skill sets, and explore collaborations with ophthalmology practices, which can lead to increased income and professional development in the dynamic landscape of eye care in Bloomington IN.
More salary data for Bloomington, IN:
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 $133,637 for optometristsin the Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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