📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Optometrists Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$109,220
per year
Median
$104,563
per year
Hourly
$52.51
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$61,557
25th Percentile — Junior$83,816
50th Percentile — Median$104,563
75th Percentile — Senior$133,898
90th Percentile — Top Earners$153,903
💡 Top-earning Optometristss in Kentucky make up to $153,903 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$88.9k
2021
$92.6k
2022
$96.5k
2023
$100.6k
2024
$104.8k
2025
$109.2k
2026
📈 Optometrists salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 4.2% annual growth. The strong presence in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Optometrists Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $91,745 -16.0% Medium
Lexington $91,745 -16.0% Medium
🔍
Optometrists Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Optometristss. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $109,220 per year, Kentucky's Optometrists salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $61,557–$83,816, while experienced Optometristss can command $133,898–$153,903.

Looking ahead, the Optometrists profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 4.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Optometrists salary in Kentucky is $109,220 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $131,590.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Optometristss the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Optometrists employment.
  • At $109,220/year, Kentucky Optometrists salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $131,590/year.