Optometrist Salary in Alabama
Based on 460+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$145,090
$69.75/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 |
Top-Paying Industries for Optometrist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Optometrists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Optometrists in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $166,410 | 60 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $160,100 | — |
| Retail Trade | $159,250 | 6K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $134,370 | 36K |
| Educational Services | $124,280 | 110 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Optometrist in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $110,830 |
| 2023 | $117,900 |
| 2024 | $129,700 |
| 2025 | $145,090 |
| 2026 (projected) | $153,795 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| 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 |
| 2026 (projected) | $153,795 | $144,274 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $104,730 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $145,090 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $166,870 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $196,600 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Optometrist ($145,090 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in AL | $519,480 | +258.0% | $249.75/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in AL | $392,350 | +170.4% | $188.63/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AL | $311,180 | +114.5% | $149.61/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AL | $210,380 | +45.0% | $101.14/hr |
| Pediatrician in AL | $209,490 | +44.4% | $100.72/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AL | $190,300 | +31.2% | $91.49/hr |
| Podiatrist in AL | $161,820 | +11.5% | $77.80/hr |
| Pharmacist in AL | $134,630 | -7.2% | $64.73/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AL | $134,550 | -7.3% | $64.69/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AL | $105,750 | -27.1% | $50.84/hr |
| Veterinarian in AL | $105,630 | -27.2% | $50.78/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AL | $104,960 | -27.7% | $50.46/hr |
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.