Healthcare Missouri (MO) Rank #42 of 50

Optometrist Salary in Missouri

The median optometrist salary in Missouri is $110,519 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $125,590.

Median Salary
$110,519
vs National
$-15,071
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Optometrist Salary in Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level optometrist earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $156,640 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri 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 Missouri

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

Optometrist Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for optometrists in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Kansas City, MO
$115,543
Pop. 508,090 · COL 92%
Saint Louis, MO
$113,031
Pop. 301,578 · COL 90%
Springfield, MO
$102,984
Pop. 169,176 · COL 82%
Columbia, MO
$110,519
Pop. 126,254 · COL 88%
Independence, MO
$106,752
Pop. 123,011 · COL 85%

How to Become a Optometrist in Missouri

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Missouri has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook in Missouri

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Missouri's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Missouri

Browse open optometrist positions in Missouri:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Missouri

How much does a Optometrist make in Missouri? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Missouri 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 Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,519, a optometrist in Missouri earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for optometrists? ▼
Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for optometrist pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level optometrists earn $72,160, while senior professionals earn $156,640.
How does Missouri compare to other states for optometrist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for optometrists is Hawaii at $223,550. Missouri's median of $110,519 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Iowa ($111,775) and South Carolina ($111,775).
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level optometrist in Missouri earns approximately $72,160 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $112,640. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $156,640.
What city in Missouri pays optometrists the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for optometrists, with a median salary of $115,543. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.