Optometrist Salary in Southfield, MI: $137,361 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Southfield, MI earns a median $137,361/year (≈ $66.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Southfield's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $147,383 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Southfield, MI, the estimated median annual salary for optometrists in 2026 is projected at $137,361. This figure places the local pay slightly below the national median of $140,612, illustrating the regional economic landscape. The salary range for optometrists varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning approximately $79,669 and experienced professionals making as much as $208,614. These projections are based on BLS state-level data, adjusted for local cost of living factors. The choice between practice ownership, employed associate roles, or working within retail chains can significantly influence earning potential in this market. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for prospective optometrists in Southfield.
About the Southfield Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,669 | $38.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,480 | $51.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,361 | $66.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $170,158 | $81.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $208,614 | $100.29 |
Median Salary Position
2.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Southfield
In Southfield, MI, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $128,945 (2026 est.). At $137,361, the local median is 2.31% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Southfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Southfield Optometrist Pay Compares
Southfield median: $137,361/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Southfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $137,774 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -2.31% less |
Optometrists in Southfield, MI earn a median of $137,361 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.31% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.30% below the Michigan state average of $137,774.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Southfield has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Southfield, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $137,361 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,383 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,585
2025 BLS Actual
$133,412
2026 Current Est.
$137,361
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Southfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,585 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,320 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,426 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,686 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,811 | Actual |
| 2024 | $120,836 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,412 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,361 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,427 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Southfield metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $112,585 (2019) to $133,412 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,427 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,842 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Southfield 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) | $79,669 – $106,480 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,480 – $137,361 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,361 – $170,158 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $170,158 – $208,614 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Southfield
The local job market for optometrists in Southfield consists of 19 professionals who contribute to the community's healthcare needs. With a cost-of-living index of 93.2, practitioners often enjoy greater purchasing power compared to many other urban regions. Among various employers, private optometry practices tend to offer competitive compensation, particularly for those with a residency focus, such as ocular disease, which can justify higher salaries. The spread between the lower and higher ends of the pay spectrum is influenced by factors including practice ownership equity and the complexities of working with ophthalmologists in OD/MD models. Optometrists interested in maximizing their earnings should consider positions in group practices, explore network affiliations with vision insurance plans like VSP, or pursue additional qualifications that enhance their skill set and marketability in Southfield.
More salary data for Southfield, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Southfield?
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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 $133,412 for optometristsin the Southfield 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 Southfield 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