Optometrist Salary in Murray, KY: $117,442 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Murray, KY earns a median $117,442/year (≈ $56.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Murray's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $131,514 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Murray, KY, is projected to reach a median of $117,442, reflecting the region's dynamic healthcare landscape. The salary range varies widely, with annual earnings spanning from $72,947 at the 10th percentile to $165,278 at the 90th percentile. These figures come from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and account for regional price adjustments, providing a more accurate depiction of local market conditions. Given Kentucky's progressive optometry laws, which allow for advanced practices such as glaucoma management and the use of oral medications, this compensation landscape is shaped by both the responsibilities of the role and the diversity of employment settings available in Murray.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,947 | $35.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,366 | $47.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $117,442 | $56.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $139,313 | $66.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $165,278 | $79.46 |
Median Salary Position
16.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murray
In Murray, KY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $92,331 (2026 est.). At $117,442, the local median is 16.48% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murray: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Murray Optometrist Pay Compares
Murray median: $117,442/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murray Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $125,607 | -6.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -16.48% less |
Optometrists in Murray, KY earn a median of $117,442 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.48% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $125,607.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murray has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Murray, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $117,442 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $131,514 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,259
2025 BLS Actual
$114,066
2026 Current Est.
$117,442
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,259 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,598 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,818 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,895 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,132 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,897 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,066 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $117,442 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,919 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murray metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $96,259 (2019) to $114,066 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $120,919 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,660 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murray 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) | $72,947 – $99,366 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,366 – $117,442 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $117,442 – $139,313 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $139,313 – $165,278 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Murray
The job market in Murray is relatively small, with only four optometrists currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 89.3, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power for local optometrists is relatively favorable. Employment opportunities can be found across private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and even VA medical facilities. Notably, those in ownership or unique practice models may benefit from higher earnings due to referral revenues and specialized patient care. To maximize pay, optometrists in Murray should consider pursuing residency training, particularly in ocular disease, and seek positions that may offer ownership opportunities or partnerships in private practices, thus enhancing their earning potential and long-term career growth.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
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 $114,066 for optometristsin the Murray 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 Murray 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