Optometrist Salary in Alabama
Based on 460+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$145,090
$69.755/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
+6.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$57K – $197K
460 employed in Alabama
Optometrist salary in Alabama averages $129,700 per year, according to the most recent data. This reflects a median income that is 1% below the national average. Currently, approximately 470 optometrists are employed throughout the state, representing a stable healthcare workforce. Understanding this compensation landscape helps both practitioners and employers navigate career decisions in Alabama's eye care market.
Several factors influence optometrist salary in Alabama, including years of experience, practice setting, and geographic location within the state. Professionals working in metropolitan areas or specialized practices may command higher earnings than those in rural communities. Additionally, credentials, patient volume, and whether an optometrist operates an independent practice versus working for an established firm can significantly impact annual compensation, with the salary range spanning from $54,420 to $175,260.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $56,740 |
| 25th percentile | $104,730 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $145,090 |
| 75th percentile | $166,870 |
| 90th percentile | $196,600 |
Historical Salary Trend — Optometrist in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $110,830 |
| 2023 | $117,900 |
| 2024 | $129,700 |
| 2025 | $145,090 |
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $110,830 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $117,900 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $129,700 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $145,090 | $136,108 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Alabama?
- The median salary for optometrists in Alabama is $129,700 per year, which translates to approximately $62 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 1.5%, making it a competitive rate for the state.
What is the salary range for optometrists in Alabama?
- Optometrist salaries in Alabama range from $54,420 on the lower end to $175,260 on the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and practice type.
How many optometrists are employed in Alabama?
- There are currently 470 optometrists employed in Alabama. This represents the total workforce of licensed optometrists practicing in the state.
Is the optometrist salary in Alabama competitive compared to the national average?
- Alabama's median optometrist salary of $129,700 is 1.5% below the national average, making it slightly lower but still within a competitive range for the profession. Despite being marginally below the national median, it remains a well-paying career in the state.