Optometrist Salary in Paducah, KY: $119,349 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Paducah, KY earns a median $119,349/year (≈ $57.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Paducah's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $133,649 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists practicing in Paducah, KY, can expect a median annual salary of $119,349, which is significantly lower than the national average of $140,612. Salaries for optometrists in this area can range from $69,222 at the 10th percentile to $174,044 at the 90th percentile. These projections, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, take into account regional price adjustments, emphasizing the unique market conditions in Paducah. Practitioners in this market may choose between owning their practice, working as employed associates, or joining retail optical chains, each option affecting their earning potential. With local competition and consumer demand shaping the salary landscape, the choice of practice setting can significantly impact an optometrist's overall compensation.
About the Paducah Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,222 | $33.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,207 | $46.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $119,349 | $57.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $144,256 | $69.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $174,044 | $83.68 |
Median Salary Position
15.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paducah
In Paducah, KY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $104,822 (2026 est.). At $119,349, the local median is 15.12% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Paducah: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paducah Optometrist Pay Compares
Paducah median: $119,349/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paducah Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $125,631 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -15.12% less |
Optometrists in Paducah, KY earn a median of $119,349 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.00% below the Kentucky state average of $125,631.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paducah 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.
Paducah, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $119,349 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $133,649 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,822
2025 BLS Actual
$115,918
2026 Current Est.
$119,349
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Paducah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,822 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,199 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,503 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,598 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,551 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,918 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,349 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,882 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paducah metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $97,822 (2019) to $115,918 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $122,882 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,060 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paducah 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) | $69,222 – $97,207 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,207 – $119,349 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $119,349 – $144,256 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $144,256 – $174,044 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Paducah
Looking at the local job market, there are currently six optometrists employed in Paducah, which indicates a relatively small yet stable field. The cost of living index at 89.3 suggests that expenses are lower than the national average, enhancing purchasing power for those in the area. While private practices may offer greater revenue potential through patient loyalty and specialized services, retail chains like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision typically provide more predictable pay structures. Factors contributing to the disparity in wages include practice ownership, collaborative models with ophthalmologists, and specific residency training. For those looking to maximize their optometrist pay in Paducah, exploring ownership options or furthering education in ocular disease could be advantageous paths.
More salary data for Paducah, 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 $115,918 for optometristsin the Paducah 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 Paducah 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