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Optometrist Salary in Columbus, OH

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

Median Salary
$134,560
per year in Columbus
Entry Level
$81,387
Starting salary
Senior Level
$184,477
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
99
1% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$81,387$134,560$184,477
Monthly$6,782$11,213$15,373
Biweekly$3,130$5,175$7,095
Weekly$1,565$2,588$3,548
Hourly$39$65$89

Columbus vs National Average

How Columbus's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.

Columbus Salary
$134,560
COL Index: 99
National Average
$128,680
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$5,880
Higher in Columbus

Cost of Living in Columbus

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,350
per month
Median Income
$56,102
per year
Population
898,553
residents
Rent % of Income
28.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 99 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Columbus 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
+19%
Los Angeles, CA
$137,070
+2%
Chicago, IL
$138,510
+3%
Houston, TX
$124,780
-7%
Phoenix, AZ
$134,430
0%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Optometrist Salary in Columbus, OH — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a optometrist in Columbus, OH is $134,560 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 99. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Columbus's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level optometrist professionals in Columbus can expect to earn around $81,387 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $184,477 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Columbus's cost of living index of 99 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Columbus 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 Columbus typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,350 per month, housing represents about 12.0% 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 Columbus, 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.