Healthcare Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Optometrist Salary in Kentucky

The median optometrist salary in Kentucky is $109,263 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $125,590.

Median Salary
$109,263
vs National
$-16,327
State Rank
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Optometrist Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level optometrist earns around $71,340, while experienced professionals earn up to $154,860 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,340
$-10,660 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$111,360
$-16,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$154,860
$-23,140 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $67,860
25th Percentile $87,000
Median (50th) $109,263
75th Percentile $137,460
90th Percentile $167,040

Optometrist Salary by City in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for optometrists in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Louisville, KY
$115,543
Pop. 633,045 · COL 92%
Lexington, KY
$116,799
Pop. 322,570 · COL 93%
Bowling Green, KY
$105,496
Pop. 74,735 · COL 84%
Owensboro, KY
$102,984
Pop. 60,183 · COL 82%
Covington, KY
$110,519
Pop. 40,961 · COL 88%

How to Become a Optometrist in Kentucky

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Kentucky has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook in Kentucky

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Kentucky's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Kentucky

Browse open optometrist positions in Kentucky:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Optometrist make in Kentucky? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Kentucky is $109,263 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $67,860 (10th percentile) to $167,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $109,263, a optometrist in Kentucky earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for optometrists? ▼
Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for optometrist pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level optometrists earn $71,340, while senior professionals earn $154,860.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for optometrist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for optometrists is Hawaii at $223,550. Kentucky's median of $109,263 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($109,263) and Kansas ($109,263).
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level optometrist in Kentucky earns approximately $71,340 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $111,360. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $154,860.
What city in Kentucky pays optometrists the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for optometrists, with a median salary of $116,799. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.