Healthcare Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Optometrist Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median optometrist salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $110,519 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$110,519
vs State Avg
+$1,256
vs National
$-15,071
Cost of Living
88%

Optometrist Pay in Tuscaloosa: What to Expect (2026)

Tuscaloosa offers a median optometrist salary of $110,519, which is $1,256 above the Alabama state average of $109,263. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $110,519 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $125,590 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Tuscaloosa spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $168,960 at the 90th percentile — a $100,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,160, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $156,640. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level optometrist earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $156,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,640
$-15,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$156,640
$-21,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $68,640
25th Percentile $88,000
Median (50th) $110,519
75th Percentile $139,040
90th Percentile $168,960

Optometrist Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$115,543
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$113,031
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$108,007
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$106,752
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Optometrist in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open optometrist positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Optometrist make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $110,519 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $68,640 (10th percentile) to $168,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,519, a optometrist in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median optometrist salary of $110,519 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $109,263. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $110,519 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Tuscaloosa require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.