Optometrist Salary in Birmingham, Alabama
The median optometrist salary in Birmingham, AL is $113,031 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.4% above the Alabama state average.
Optometrist Pay in Birmingham: What to Expect (2026)
Birmingham offers a median optometrist salary of $113,031, which is $3,768 above the Alabama state average of $109,263. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Birmingham pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Birmingham's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for optometrists in Birmingham spans from $70,200 at the 10th percentile to $172,800 at the 90th percentile — a $102,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,800, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $160,200. With a population of 197,575, Birmingham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Optometrist Salary in Birmingham by Experience
In Birmingham, an entry-level optometrist earns around $73,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $160,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Birmingham, AL
| Percentile | Birmingham |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $70,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,000 |
| Median (50th) | $113,031 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $172,800 |
Optometrist Salary in Other Alabama Cities
How to Become a Optometrist in Birmingham
Education
Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Birmingham may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Optometrist Jobs in Birmingham
Browse open optometrist positions in Birmingham, AL: