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Optometrist Salary in Dayton, OH

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

Median Salary
$92,855
per year in Dayton
Entry Level
$56,163
Starting salary
Senior Level
$127,302
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
82
18% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$56,163$92,855$127,302
Monthly$4,680$7,738$10,609
Biweekly$2,160$3,571$4,896
Weekly$1,080$1,786$2,448
Hourly$27$45$61

Dayton vs National Average

How Dayton's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.

Dayton Salary
$92,855
COL Index: 82
National Average
$128,680
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$35,825
Lower in Dayton

Cost of Living in Dayton

1-Bedroom Rent
$800
per month
Median Income
$34,560
per year
Population
137,644
residents
Rent % of Income
27.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 82 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Dayton 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
+73%
Los Angeles, CA
$137,070
+48%
Chicago, IL
$138,510
+49%
Houston, TX
$124,780
+34%
Phoenix, AZ
$134,430
+45%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a optometrist salary in Dayton.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Optometrist Salary in Dayton, OH — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a optometrist in Dayton, OH is $92,855 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 82. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Dayton's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level optometrist professionals in Dayton can expect to earn around $56,163 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $127,302 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Dayton's cost of living index of 82 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Dayton 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 Dayton typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $800 per month, housing represents about 10.3% 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 Dayton, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. 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.