Healthcare Little Rock, AR Pop. 202,591

Optometrist Salary in Little Rock, Arkansas

The median optometrist salary in Little Rock, AR is $106,752 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 3.7% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$106,752
vs State Avg
+$3,768
vs National
$-18,838
Cost of Living
87%

Optometrist Pay in Little Rock: What to Expect (2026)

Little Rock offers a median optometrist salary of $106,752, which is $3,768 above the Arkansas state average of $102,984. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Little Rock pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Little Rock's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 87% of the national average. This means the $106,752 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $122,703 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Little Rock spans from $66,300 at the 10th percentile to $163,200 at the 90th percentile — a $96,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $69,700, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $151,300. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level optometrist earns around $69,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $151,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$69,700
$-12,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$108,800
$-19,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$151,300
$-26,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Little Rock, AR

Percentile Little Rock
10th Percentile $66,300
25th Percentile $85,000
Median (50th) $106,752
75th Percentile $134,300
90th Percentile $163,200

Optometrist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$108,007
Pop. 93,949
Springdale, AR
$102,984
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$100,472
Pop. 78,576
Fort Smith, AR
$97,960
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Optometrist in Little Rock

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Little Rock and the surrounding Arkansas 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 Little Rock may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Little Rock

Browse open optometrist positions in Little Rock, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Little Rock

How much does a Optometrist make in Little Rock, AR? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Little Rock, Arkansas is $106,752 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $66,300 (10th percentile) to $163,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Little Rock? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $106,752, a optometrist in Little Rock earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Little Rock compare to the Arkansas state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Little Rock's median optometrist salary of $106,752 is 3.7% above the Arkansas state average of $102,984. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR? ▼
Little Rock has a cost of living index of 87% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $106,752 in Little Rock has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Little Rock? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Little Rock 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.