Optometrist Salary in Hays, KS: $119,671 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Hays, KS earns a median $119,671/year (≈ $57.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Hays's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $131,651 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Hays, Kansas is projected to average $119,671 annually, which is notably lower than the national median of $140,612. This figure embodies a spectrum of compensation, with salaries ranging from $74,413 at the 10th percentile to $168,360 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional living costs, which might influence the financial flexibility of practitioners. While the median compensation reflects a challenging environment, the presence of various practice models, particularly those involving surgical co-management with ophthalmologists, can supplement income through revenue-sharing arrangements. Thus, understanding the dynamics of the job market in Hays is essential for prospective or current optometrists looking to maximize their earning potential.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,413 | $35.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,405 | $48.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $119,671 | $57.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,191 | $68.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $168,360 | $80.95 |
Median Salary Position
14.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
In Hays, KS, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $93,947 (2026 est.). At $119,671, the local median is 14.89% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hays: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hays Optometrist Pay Compares
Hays median: $119,671/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hays Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $127,854 | -6.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -14.89% less |
Optometrists in Hays, KS earn a median of $119,671 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.40% below the Kansas state average of $127,854.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hays has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hays, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $119,671 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $131,651 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,086
2025 BLS Actual
$116,231
2026 Current Est.
$119,671
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,086 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,469 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,788 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,886 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,222 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,938 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,231 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,671 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $123,214 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hays metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $98,086 (2019) to $116,231 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $123,214 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,128 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays 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) | $74,413 – $101,405 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,405 – $119,671 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $119,671 – $142,191 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,191 – $168,360 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Hays
With only five optometrists currently employed in Hays, the local market appears limited, reinforcing the importance of examining various employment options to optimize pay. The cost-of-living index in Hays, at 90.9, suggests a lower-than-average financial burden compared to other regions, which may enhance the purchasing power of those salaries. Among the potential employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology clinics typically provide more lucrative opportunities, particularly for those engaging in OD/MD models that can yield revenues from surgical referrals. The disparity in pay often hinges on factors such as practice ownership, residency training in ocular disease pathways, and the evolving nature of employment contracts—especially in businesses that have transitioned from private ownership to private equity. To enhance their earning capacity, optometrists in Hays may benefit from pursuing advanced training or specialties that align with the expanding scope of practice, such as the management of glaucoma or other ocular conditions, which are increasingly valuable in today's healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
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 $116,231 for optometristsin the Hays 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 Hays 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