Optometrist Salary in Stillwater, OK: $121,601 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Stillwater, OK earns a median $121,601/year (≈ $58.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Stillwater's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $136,784 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Oklahoma state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation for optometrists in Stillwater, OK, is projected to be a median annual salary of $121,601, reflecting the city’s unique healthcare landscape influenced by its expanding scope of practice. This encompasses glaucoma management, oral medications, and certain laser procedures, which can considerably affect earning potential. The salary range for optometrists in the area varies from $70,529 at the 10th percentile to $183,473 at the 90th percentile, with local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted to account for regional cost factors. With only 13 practicing optometrists currently employed in Stillwater, understanding the local market dynamics is key for any professionals looking to establish their careers here.
About the Stillwater Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,529 | $33.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,940 | $47.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $121,601 | $58.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,631 | $71.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $183,473 | $88.21 |
Median Salary Position
13.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stillwater
In Stillwater, OK, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $112,944 (2026 est.). At $121,601, the local median is 13.52% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Stillwater: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Stillwater Optometrist Pay Compares
Stillwater median: $121,601/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Stillwater Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Average | $124,975 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -13.52% less |
Optometrists in Stillwater, OK earn a median of $121,601 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.52% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.70% below the Oklahoma state average of $124,975.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Stillwater has a cost of living 11.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Stillwater, OK has a cost-of-living index of 88.9 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $121,601 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,784 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.49% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,668
2025 BLS Actual
$118,105
2026 Current Est.
$121,601
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Stillwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,668 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,089 | Actual |
| 2021 | $107,494 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,032 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,776 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,105 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $121,601 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,200 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Stillwater metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $99,668 (2019) to $118,105 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,200 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,532 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stillwater 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) | $70,529 – $97,940 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,940 – $121,601 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $121,601 – $149,631 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,631 – $183,473 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Stillwater
While the average salary in Stillwater may present certain limitations compared to the national average, the cost of living index, which stands at 88.9, offers a more favorable environment for managing expenses. Employers in the region include private practices, retail chains like Walmart Vision, and various healthcare systems, each offering differing pay structures. Factors such as ownership equity, the collaboration model with ophthalmologists, and the presence of residency-trained optometrists can lead to substantial variations in compensation. Practicing in a diverse role, particularly in settings that leverage the expanded scope of optometry, could enhance your income opportunities. For those seeking to maximize their pay in Stillwater, networking with peers and considering affiliations with ophthalmology practices or leveraging specialty training will be advantageous.
More salary data for Stillwater, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Stillwater, OK in 2026?
Is Stillwater, OK a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Stillwater?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Stillwater?
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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 $118,105 for optometristsin the Stillwater 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 Stillwater 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