Healthcare Lexington, KY Pop. 322,570

Optometrist Salary in Lexington, Kentucky

The median optometrist salary in Lexington, KY is $116,799 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 6.9% above the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$116,799
vs State Avg
+$7,536
vs National
$-8,791
Cost of Living
93%

Optometrist Pay in Lexington: What to Expect (2026)

Lexington offers a median optometrist salary of $116,799, which is $7,536 above the Kentucky state average of $109,263. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Lexington pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lexington's cost of living is 93% 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 Lexington spans from $72,540 at the 10th percentile to $178,560 at the 90th percentile — a $106,020 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,260, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $165,540. With a population of 322,570, Lexington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Lexington by Experience

In Lexington, an entry-level optometrist earns around $76,260, while experienced professionals earn up to $165,540 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,260
$-5,740 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$119,040
$-8,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$165,540
$-12,460 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lexington, KY

Percentile Lexington
10th Percentile $72,540
25th Percentile $93,000
Median (50th) $116,799
75th Percentile $146,940
90th Percentile $178,560

Optometrist Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

How to Become a Optometrist in Lexington

Education

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

Find Optometrist Jobs in Lexington

Browse open optometrist positions in Lexington, KY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Lexington

How much does a Optometrist make in Lexington, KY? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Lexington, Kentucky is $116,799 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $72,540 (10th percentile) to $178,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Lexington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $116,799, a optometrist in Lexington earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lexington compare to the Kentucky state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Lexington's median optometrist salary of $116,799 is 6.9% above the Kentucky state average of $109,263. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lexington, KY? ▼
Lexington has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $116,799 in Lexington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Lexington? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Lexington 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.