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Optometrist Salary in Hastings, NE

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

Median Salary
$86,524
per year in Hastings
Entry Level
$52,334
Starting salary
Senior Level
$118,622
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 Hastings.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$52,334$86,524$118,622
Monthly$4,361$7,210$9,885
Biweekly$2,013$3,328$4,562
Weekly$1,006$1,664$2,281
Hourly$25$42$57

Hastings vs National Average

How Hastings's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.

Hastings Salary
$86,524
COL Index: 82
National Average
$128,680
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$42,156
Lower in Hastings

Cost of Living in Hastings

1-Bedroom Rent
$680
per month
Median Income
$44,234
per year
Population
25,270
residents
Rent % of Income
18.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 82 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Hastings 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
+86%
Los Angeles, CA
$137,070
+58%
Chicago, IL
$138,510
+60%
Houston, TX
$124,780
+44%
Phoenix, AZ
$134,430
+55%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Optometrist Salary in Hastings, NE — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a optometrist in Hastings, NE is $86,524 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 82. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Hastings's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level optometrist professionals in Hastings can expect to earn around $52,334 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $118,622 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Hastings's cost of living index of 82 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Hastings 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 Hastings typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $680 per month, housing represents about 9.4% 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 Hastings, 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.