Healthcare Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Optometrist Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median optometrist salary in Detroit, MI is $110,519 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$110,519
vs State Avg
$-2,512
vs National
$-15,071
Cost of Living
88%

Optometrist Pay in Detroit: What to Expect (2026)

Detroit offers a median optometrist salary of $110,519, which is $2,512 below the Michigan state average of $113,031. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit'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 Detroit an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Detroit 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. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Optometrist Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, 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 Detroit, MI

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

Optometrist Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$131,870
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$113,031
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$110,519
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$108,007
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Optometrist in Detroit

Education

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

Find Optometrist Jobs in Detroit

Browse open optometrist positions in Detroit, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Detroit

How much does a Optometrist make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Detroit, Michigan 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 Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,519, a optometrist in Detroit earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Detroit's median optometrist salary of $110,519 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $113,031. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $110,519 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Detroit? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Detroit 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.