Senior Optometrist Salary in Medina, OH: $191,745 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Medina, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $191,745/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Medina's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $211,406 in average-cost America. The 45% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced optometrists in Medina, Ohio, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $132,319. However, top-tier professionals at the 90th percentile can expect to earn as much as $191,745, demonstrating significant earning potential for those who advance their careers in this region. This disparity highlights the experience premium: as optometrists gain expertise, particularly in specialized areas, their compensation grows substantially. Reaching this elite salary level often requires additional qualifications such as advanced training or specialized residencies, which enhance one's value in the marketplace. Such qualifications can be critical, given that the median salary in Medina falls short of the national average of $140,612 by about 5.90%, illustrating a need for continued professional development to maximize earning potential.
About the Medina Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Medina
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Medina earn between $159,195 and $191,745 per year (2026 est.). This $112,448 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Medina median of $132,319 sits 5.9% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Medina | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $132,319 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,195 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $191,745 | $208,165 |
In Medina, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 44.91% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Medina
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $132,319 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Medina employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Medina command premium compensation, often reaching the $159,195–$191,745 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Medina metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Medina with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Optometrists in Ohio who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Optometrist Career & Wage Growth Path in Medina
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMedina ranks #28 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $191,745).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Medina ($191,745) is 6.72% below the Ohio average P90 ($205,565).
2019 BLS Actual
$178,790
2025 BLS Actual
$186,233
2026 Current Est.
$191,745
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Medina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $178,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $180,365 | Actual |
| 2021 | $177,215 | Actual |
| 2022 | $176,331 | Actual |
| 2023 | $188,002 | Actual |
| 2024 | $167,593 | Actual |
| 2025 | $186,233 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $191,745 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $197,421 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Medina saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $178,790 in 2019 to $186,233 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.96% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $197,421 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medina 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.
Maximizing Your Optometrist Earnings in Medina
Navigating the senior-level optometry market in Medina reveals specific specializations that command higher pay. Fields such as ocular disease, pediatric optometry, and vision therapy not only elevate an optometrist's skill set but also appeal to a broader patient demographic, which can drive profitability in practices. Different employer types also influence senior optometrist pay in Ohio. For instance, private optometry practices and ophthalmology setups may offer distinct compensation packages, while retail chains often provide competitive salaries alongside benefits. Career advancement can take many forms in the field, with paths leading to roles like practice ownership, multi-location management, or even faculty positions at residency programs. Furthermore, possessing advanced credentials—such as an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited optometry school or completing a residency—can significantly enhance one's earning potential. Including various non-salary compensation aspects in the assessment of senior roles, such as ownership equity and shared revenue arrangements, is vital for understanding overall remuneration in the field of optometry in Medina.
More salary data for Medina, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Medina in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Medina?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Medina?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Medina?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Medina?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $186,233 for optometrists in the Medina metro area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medina 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