Healthcare Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Optometrist Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median optometrist salary in Columbia, MO is $110,519 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$110,519
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-15,071
Cost of Living
88%

Optometrist Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median optometrist salary of $110,519, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $110,519. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for optometrists in Columbia 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 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO

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

Optometrist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$115,543
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$113,031
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$106,752
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$102,984
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Optometrist in Columbia

Education

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

Find Optometrist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open optometrist positions in Columbia, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Optometrist make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Columbia, 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 Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,519, a optometrist in Columbia earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Columbia's median optometrist salary of $110,519 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $110,519. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $110,519 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Columbia? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Columbia 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.