Optometrist Salary in Carmel, IN: $140,422 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Carmel, IN earns a median $140,422/year (≈ $67.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Carmel's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $153,803 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carmel, Indiana, the projected median annual salary for optometrists in 2026 is $140,422, closely mirroring the national median of $140,612. This robust compensation reflects the diverse employment structure in the area, where practice ownership can offer higher earning potential compared to salaried associate positions or work within retail chains. Local estimates indicate a salary range from $81,444 at the 10th percentile to $209,175 at the 90th percentile, providing a clear picture of the income dynamics for optometrists operating in independent practices versus corporate settings. As the demand for comprehensive eye care increases, particularly with recent expansions in scope of practice, the skills and specializations of optometrists are becoming increasingly valued in Carmel's healthcare marketplace.
About the Carmel Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,444 | $39.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,555 | $55.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,422 | $67.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $171,172 | $82.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $209,175 | $100.56 |
Median Salary Position
0.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carmel
In Carmel, IN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,731 (2026 est.). At $140,422, the local median is 0.14% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carmel: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carmel Optometrist Pay Compares
Carmel median: $140,422/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carmel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $138,757 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -0.14% less |
Optometrists in Carmel, IN earn a median of $140,422 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.14% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.20% above the Indiana state average of $138,757.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carmel 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.
Carmel, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $140,422 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $153,803 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,094
2025 BLS Actual
$136,385
2026 Current Est.
$140,422
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Carmel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,094 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,890 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,132 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,681 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,474 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,385 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,422 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,578 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carmel metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $115,094 (2019) to $136,385 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,578 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,484 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carmel 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) | $81,444 – $114,555 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,555 – $140,422 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,422 – $171,172 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $171,172 – $209,175 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Carmel
Carmel's job market for optometrists is relatively well-defined, with only 15 professionals currently employed in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 91.3, take-home purchasing power can be favorable, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle despite the smaller salary pool compared to national averages. Among local employers, independent optometry practices tend to pay the highest salaries, particularly those integrated with ophthalmology models, which share revenue from surgical referrals. The salary variance is influenced by factors like ownership equity, the collaboration model with MDs, and the specialized training of optometrists. Those looking to maximize their pay should consider residency training in ocular disease or opt for entrepreneurial opportunities to build private practices. Engaging with the AOA's resources and staying informed about state policy changes can also enhance career prospects in this evolving field, allowing optometrists to capitalize on their expanded scope of practice and specialization in Carmel, IN.
More salary data for Carmel, 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 $136,385 for optometristsin the Carmel 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 Carmel 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