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Optometrist Salary in Birmingham, AL

How much does a optometrist make in Birmingham? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Birmingham's cost of living.

Median Salary
$137,050
per year in Birmingham
Entry Level
$82,894
Starting salary
Senior Level
$187,891
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
93
7% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how optometrist salaries break down across different pay periods in Birmingham.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$82,894$137,050$187,891
Monthly$6,908$11,421$15,658
Biweekly$3,188$5,271$7,227
Weekly$1,594$2,636$3,613
Hourly$40$66$90

Birmingham vs National Average

How Birmingham's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.

Birmingham Salary
$137,050
COL Index: 93
National Average
$128,680
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$8,370
Higher in Birmingham

Cost of Living in Birmingham

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,150
per month
Median Income
$49,234
per year
Population
214,237
residents
Rent % of Income
28.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 93 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Birmingham have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Optometrist

Overview

Perform eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses and treatments.

Education

Doctor of Optometry (OD); licensure required

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationLens PrescriptionPatient CareDiagnostic Skills

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Optometrist Salary

See Optometrist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$160,520
+17%
Los Angeles, CA
$137,070
+0%
Chicago, IL
$138,510
+1%
Houston, TX
$124,780
-9%
Phoenix, AZ
$134,430
-2%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Optometrist Salary in Birmingham, AL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a optometrist in Birmingham, AL is $137,050 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 93. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Birmingham's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level optometrist professionals in Birmingham can expect to earn around $82,894 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $187,891 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Birmingham's cost of living index of 93 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Birmingham are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $128,680, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a optometrist's salary in Birmingham typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,150 per month, housing represents about 10.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Optometrists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Birmingham, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.