Healthcare Owensboro, KY Pop. 60,183

Optometrist Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky

The median optometrist salary in Owensboro, KY is $102,984 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 5.7% below the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$102,984
vs State Avg
$-6,279
vs National
$-22,606
Cost of Living
82%

Optometrist Pay in Owensboro: What to Expect (2026)

Owensboro offers a median optometrist salary of $102,984, which is $6,279 below the Kentucky state average of $109,263. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $102,984 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $125,590 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Owensboro spans from $63,960 at the 10th percentile to $157,440 at the 90th percentile — a $93,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,240, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,960. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level optometrist earns around $67,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,240
$-14,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$104,960
$-23,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,960
$-32,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Owensboro, KY

Percentile Owensboro
10th Percentile $63,960
25th Percentile $82,000
Median (50th) $102,984
75th Percentile $129,560
90th Percentile $157,440

Optometrist Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

Lexington, KY
$116,799
Pop. 322,570
Louisville, KY
$115,543
Pop. 633,045
Covington, KY
$110,519
Pop. 40,961
Bowling Green, KY
$105,496
Pop. 74,735

How to Become a Optometrist in Owensboro

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Owensboro 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 Owensboro may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Owensboro

Browse open optometrist positions in Owensboro, KY:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Optometrist make in Owensboro, KY? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $102,984 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $63,960 (10th percentile) to $157,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Owensboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $102,984, a optometrist in Owensboro earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Owensboro's median optometrist salary of $102,984 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $109,263. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼
Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $102,984 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Owensboro? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Owensboro 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.