Optometrist Salary in Amarillo, TX: $133,323 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Amarillo, TX earns a median $133,323/year (≈ $64.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Amarillo's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $145,200 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Amarillo, Texas, optometrists can expect a median annual salary of $133,323 in 2026, reflecting local compensation that remains competitive, although it falls slightly below the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in this area extends from $46,373 at the 10th percentile to $234,275 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant earning potential influenced by factors like experience and employment setting. This data originates from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, projected to 2026, offering a well-rounded insight into compensation trends for optometrists in Amarillo. With a moderate growth rate of 2.96% anticipated over the next five years, there remains a stable market for optometry professionals in this Texas city, particularly benefiting from surgical co-management arrangements that can enhance earnings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,373 | $22.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,217 | $49.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,323 | $64.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,842 | $74.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $234,275 | $112.63 |
Median Salary Position
5.18% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Amarillo
In Amarillo, TX, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $187,902 (2026 est.). At $133,323, the local median is 5.18% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Amarillo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Amarillo Optometrist Pay Compares
Amarillo median: $133,323/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Amarillo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $134,263 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -5.18% less |
Optometrists in Amarillo, TX earn a median of $133,323 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.18% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% below the Texas state average of $134,263.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Amarillo has a cost of living 8.18% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Amarillo, TX has a cost-of-living index of 91.82 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $133,323 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $145,200 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.91% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,275
2025 BLS Actual
$129,490
2026 Current Est.
$133,323
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Amarillo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,275 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,856 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,079 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,024 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,137 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,490 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,323 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,269 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Amarillo metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $109,275 (2019) to $129,490 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,269 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,994 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amarillo 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) | $46,373 – $103,217 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,217 – $133,323 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,323 – $154,842 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,842 – $234,275 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Amarillo
The job market for optometrists in Amarillo consists of around 40 practitioners, providing a solid foundation for both new graduates and experienced ODs. With a cost-of-living index of 91.82, aspirants in this field enjoy favorable purchasing power compared to national averages, making the local pay quite compelling. Among the employers, ophthalmology practices that utilize the OD/MD model tend to offer higher salaries, likely due to the revenue-sharing model associated with surgical referrals. This contrasts with retail optical chains, where pay may be less competitive but often provides consistent hours and benefits. The variation in salaries can also result from practice ownership equity and the complexities surrounding practice acquisitions by private equity firms. For individuals seeking to maximize their earnings in Amarillo, pursuing residency training—particularly in ocular disease—and establishing strong networks within the community may greatly enhance potential salary outcomes.
More salary data for Amarillo, TX:
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 $129,490 for optometristsin the Amarillo 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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