Healthcare Austin, TX Pop. 978,908

Optometrist Salary in Austin, Texas

The median optometrist salary in Austin, TX is $134,381 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 13.8% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$134,381
vs State Avg
+$16,326
vs National
+$8,791
Cost of Living
105%

Optometrist Pay in Austin: What to Expect (2026)

Austin offers a median optometrist salary of $134,381, which is $16,326 above the Texas state average of $118,055. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Austin pays above average for this role.

Austin's cost of living is 105% 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 Austin spans from $83,460 at the 10th percentile to $205,440 at the 90th percentile — a $121,980 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $87,740, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $190,460. As a major metro area with a population of 978,908, Austin typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Optometrist Salary in Austin by Experience

In Austin, an entry-level optometrist earns around $87,740, while experienced professionals earn up to $190,460 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$87,740
+$5,740 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$136,960
+$8,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$190,460
+$12,460 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Austin, TX

Percentile Austin
10th Percentile $83,460
25th Percentile $107,000
Median (50th) $134,381
75th Percentile $169,060
90th Percentile $205,440

Optometrist Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Optometrist in Austin

Education

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

Find Optometrist Jobs in Austin

Browse open optometrist positions in Austin, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Austin

How much does a Optometrist make in Austin, TX? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Austin, Texas is $134,381 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $83,460 (10th percentile) to $205,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Austin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,381, a optometrist in Austin earns approximately $65 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Austin compare to the Texas state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Austin's median optometrist salary of $134,381 is 13.8% above the Texas state average of $118,055. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX? ▼
Austin has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $134,381 in Austin has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Austin? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Austin 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.