Optometrist Salary in Arkansas
Based on 320+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$124,470
$59.84/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
-8.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$58K – $182K
320 employed in Arkansas
Optometrists in Arkansas earn a median salary of $124,470 per year, according to current labor data. With approximately 320 optometrists employed throughout the state, this represents a stable healthcare profession in Arkansas. However, the optometrist salary in Arkansas is roughly 9% below the national average, reflecting regional differences in cost of living and market demand for eye care services.
Several factors influence optometrist compensation in Arkansas, including years of experience, practice setting, and geographic location within the state. Established professionals working in private practices or specialized clinics often earn toward the higher end of the salary range, while those just beginning their careers may start closer to the lower end. Additionally, demand for optometric services in rural versus urban areas can affect earning potential and job opportunities throughout the state.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $57,960 |
| 25th percentile | $84,140 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $124,470 |
| 75th percentile | $147,590 |
| 90th percentile | $181,520 |
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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $109,050 |
| 2023 | $129,680 |
| 2024 | $99,970 |
| 2025 | $124,470 |
| 2026 (projected) | $131,938 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arkansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $109,050 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $129,680 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $99,970 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $124,470 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $131,938 | $144,274 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $84,140 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $124,470 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $147,590 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $181,520 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Optometrist ($124,470 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in AR | $254,940 | +104.8% | $122.57/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AR | $233,130 | +87.3% | $112.08/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AR | $224,280 | +80.2% | $107.83/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AR | $215,820 | +73.4% | $103.76/hr |
| Dentist in AR | $178,930 | +43.8% | $86.02/hr |
| Pediatrician in AR | $160,440 | +28.9% | $77.13/hr |
| Pharmacist in AR | $136,060 | +9.3% | $65.41/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AR | $125,660 | +1.0% | $60.41/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AR | $124,750 | +0.2% | $59.98/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AR | $118,430 | -4.9% | $56.94/hr |
| Veterinarian in AR | $107,710 | -13.5% | $51.78/hr |
| Occupational Therapist in AR | $106,360 | -14.5% | $51.13/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Arkansas?
- Optometrists in Arkansas earn a median salary of $124,470 per year, or approximately $60 per hour. This is about 8.6% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for optometrists in Arkansas?
- Optometrist salaries in Arkansas range from $57,960 at the lower end to $181,520 at the upper end, reflecting variation based on experience, location, and practice type.
Is an optometrist salary in Arkansas competitive compared to the national average?
- Arkansas optometrist salaries are slightly below the national average at $124,470 median compared to the U.S. average, representing an 8.6% difference. However, this still represents a strong earning potential in the state.
How many optometrists are employed in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 320 optometrists currently employed in Arkansas, indicating a stable job market for this profession in the state.