Healthcare Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Optometrist Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median optometrist salary in Lafayette, LA is $110,519 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$110,519
vs State Avg
$-3,768
vs National
$-15,071
Cost of Living
88%

Optometrist Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median optometrist salary of $110,519, which is $3,768 below the Louisiana state average of $114,287. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $110,519 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $125,590 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Lafayette spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $168,960 at the 90th percentile — a $100,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,160, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $156,640. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level optometrist earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $156,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,640
$-15,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$156,640
$-21,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $68,640
25th Percentile $88,000
Median (50th) $110,519
75th Percentile $139,040
90th Percentile $168,960

Optometrist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$123,078
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$115,543
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$108,007
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$106,752
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Optometrist in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Optometrist Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open optometrist positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Optometrist make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $110,519 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $68,640 (10th percentile) to $168,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,519, a optometrist in Lafayette earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Lafayette's median optometrist salary of $110,519 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $114,287. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $110,519 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Lafayette? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Lafayette 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.