Healthcare New Orleans, LA Pop. 383,997

Optometrist Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

The median optometrist salary in New Orleans, LA is $123,078 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.7% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$123,078
vs State Avg
+$8,791
vs National
$-2,512
Cost of Living
98%

Optometrist Pay in New Orleans: What to Expect (2026)

New Orleans offers a median optometrist salary of $123,078, which is $8,791 above the Louisiana state average of $114,287. Compared to the national median of $125,590, New Orleans pays below the national benchmark for this role.

New Orleans's cost of living is 98% 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 New Orleans spans from $76,440 at the 10th percentile to $188,160 at the 90th percentile — a $111,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,360, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $174,440. With a population of 383,997, New Orleans is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in New Orleans by Experience

In New Orleans, an entry-level optometrist earns around $80,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $174,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,360
$-1,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$125,440
$-2,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$174,440
$-3,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA

Percentile New Orleans
10th Percentile $76,440
25th Percentile $98,000
Median (50th) $123,078
75th Percentile $154,840
90th Percentile $188,160

Optometrist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

Baton Rouge, LA
$115,543
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$110,519
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$108,007
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$106,752
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Optometrist in New Orleans

Education

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

Find Optometrist Jobs in New Orleans

Browse open optometrist positions in New Orleans, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in New Orleans

How much does a Optometrist make in New Orleans, LA? ▼
The median optometrist salary in New Orleans, Louisiana is $123,078 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $76,440 (10th percentile) to $188,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in New Orleans? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $123,078, a optometrist in New Orleans earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average for optometrist pay? ▼
New Orleans's median optometrist salary of $123,078 is 7.7% above the Louisiana state average of $114,287. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA? ▼
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $123,078 in New Orleans has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in New Orleans? ▼
Most optometrist positions in New Orleans 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.