Optometrist Salary in Hutchinson, KS: $125,039 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Hutchinson, KS earns a median $125,039/year (≈ $60.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Hutchinson's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $137,557 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hutchinson, Kansas, the projected optometrist salary in 2026 stands at $125,039, reflecting the local average influenced by the growing demand for surgical co-management in the OD/MD model. The full salary range for optometrists here varies significantly, with the lower end at $73,763 and the upper tier reaching $184,864. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, taking into account the regional cost of living adjustments. Although salaries are lower in Hutchinson compared to the national median of $140,612, the ongoing development of the local optometry market offers potential opportunities for new graduates and practicing optometrists to enhance their earnings through diverse practice settings.
About the Hutchinson Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,763 | $35.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,424 | $49.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,039 | $60.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145,282 | $69.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $184,864 | $88.88 |
Median Salary Position
11.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hutchinson
In Hutchinson, KS, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $111,101 (2026 est.). At $125,039, the local median is 11.08% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hutchinson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hutchinson Optometrist Pay Compares
Hutchinson median: $125,039/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hutchinson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $127,851 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -11.08% less |
Optometrists in Hutchinson, KS earn a median of $125,039 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.08% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.20% below the Kansas state average of $127,851.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hutchinson 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.
Hutchinson, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $125,039 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $137,557 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,485
2025 BLS Actual
$121,444
2026 Current Est.
$125,039
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hutchinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,485 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,975 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,533 | Actual |
| 2022 | $111,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,256 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,823 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,444 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,039 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,740 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hutchinson metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $102,485 (2019) to $121,444 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,740 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,255 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hutchinson 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) | $73,763 – $103,424 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,424 – $125,039 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,039 – $145,282 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $145,282 – $184,864 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Hutchinson
With only 10 optometrists currently employed in Hutchinson, the local job market presents unique dynamics. The cost-of-living index of 90.9 suggests that, while salaries might seem modest, purchasing power may still be favorable for those living in the area. Private optometry practices generally offer higher compensation, especially those collaborating in the OD/MD model, which allows for shared revenue from surgical referrals. Factors like practice ownership equity, experience from residency training in ocular disease, and the post-acquisition landscape of previously private practices increasingly influence salary profiles. To maximize pay in Hutchinson, optometrists should consider specializing in areas with high demand, pursuing leadership roles, and establishing strong referral networks, all while taking advantage of the city's evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Hutchinson, 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 $121,444 for optometristsin the Hutchinson 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 Hutchinson 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