Optometrist Salary in Cape Girardeau, MO: $122,224 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Cape Girardeau, MO earns a median $122,224/year (≈ $58.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Cape Girardeau's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $136,411 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Cape Girardeau is anticipated to reach a median annual figure of $122,224. This wagescape encompasses a range from $74,086 at the 10th percentile to a notable $171,179 at the 90th percentile. Such competitive compensation reflects local estimates derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional price variations. The revenue generated through the OD/MD model for surgical co-management considerably bolsters earnings potential, allowing many optometrists to increase their income while meeting the evolving demands of the community. Given these figures, Cape Girardeau presents a viable market for optometry professionals looking to advance their practice and income.
About the Cape Girardeau Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,086 | $35.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,562 | $49.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,224 | $58.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $143,433 | $68.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $171,179 | $82.30 |
Median Salary Position
13.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cape Girardeau
In Cape Girardeau, MO, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $97,093 (2026 est.). At $122,224, the local median is 13.08% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cape Girardeau: You'd be above the median
How Cape Girardeau Optometrist Pay Compares
Cape Girardeau median: $122,224/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cape Girardeau Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $126,004 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -13.08% less |
Optometrists in Cape Girardeau, MO earn a median of $122,224 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.08% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.00% below the Missouri state average of $126,004.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cape Girardeau has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cape Girardeau, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $122,224 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,411 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,178
2025 BLS Actual
$118,710
2026 Current Est.
$122,224
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Cape Girardeau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,178 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,612 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,045 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,166 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,616 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,261 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,710 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,224 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,842 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cape Girardeau metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $100,178 (2019) to $118,710 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,842 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,664 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cape Girardeau 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) | $74,086 – $102,562 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,562 – $122,224 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,224 – $143,433 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $143,433 – $171,179 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Cape Girardeau
Currently, the local optometry job market comprises six practicing optometrists, which suggests limited competition. The cost of living index stands at 89.6, indicating that Cape Girardeau's affordability might enable higher effective purchasing power for residents. Employers such as private optometry practices often offer the most lucrative positions, particularly those embracing the OD/MD collaboration, which results in additional surgical revenue. Factors like practice ownership, specialized residency training, and the evolving landscape of retail optical chains versus private practices play a significant role in determining pay disparities. For optometrists in the area, focusing on continuing education and considering ocular disease residencies could enhance their marketability. Exploring diverse practice models and maintaining an adaptive approach to the changing optometry landscape could further maximize earning potential in Cape Girardeau, MO.
More salary data for Cape Girardeau, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Cape Girardeau, MO in 2026?
Is Cape Girardeau, MO a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Cape Girardeau?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Cape Girardeau?
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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 $118,710 for optometristsin the Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau 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