Optometrist Salary in Wichita, KS: $106,752 (2026)

Optometrist Pay in Wichita: What to Expect (2026)

Wichita offers a median optometrist salary of $106,752, which is $2,511 below the Kansas state average of $109,263. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Wichita pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wichita's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $106,752 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $125,591 in an average-cost city. This makes Wichita an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Wichita 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 397,532, Wichita is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Wichita by Experience

In Wichita, 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 85% 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

Percentile	Wichita	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$66,300	$67,860	$78,000
25th Percentile	$85,000	$87,000	$100,000
Median (50th)	$106,752	$109,263	$125,590
75th Percentile	$134,300	$137,460	$158,000
90th Percentile	$163,200	$167,040	$192,000

Percentile

Wichita

10th Percentile

$66,300

25th Percentile

$85,000

Median (50th)

$106,752

75th Percentile

$134,300

90th Percentile

$163,200

How to Become a Optometrist in Wichita

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Wichita and the surrounding Kansas 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 Wichita may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Wichita

How much does a Optometrist make in Wichita, KS? ▼

The median optometrist salary in Wichita, Kansas 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 Wichita? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $106,752, a optometrist in Wichita earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Wichita compare to the Kansas state average for optometrist pay? ▼

Wichita's median optometrist salary of $106,752 is 2.3% below the Kansas state average of $109,263. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Wichita, KS? ▼

Wichita has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $106,752 in Wichita has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Wichita? ▼

Most optometrist positions in Wichita 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.

Optometrist Salary in Wichita, Kansas