Optometrist Salary in Kansas
Based on 660+ workers in Kansas
Median Annual Salary (KS)
$138,580
$66.63/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
+1.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$85K – $193K
660 employed in Kansas
Optometrist salary in Kansas averages $138,580 per year, which is approximately 2% above the national average. The state currently employs around 660 optometrists across various practice settings. Understanding compensation trends in this field helps both practitioners and employers navigate the Kansas eye care market effectively.
Several factors influence optometrist salary in Kansas, including years of experience, practice ownership versus employment status, and geographic location within the state. Salaries typically range from $85,010 to $192,720 annually, reflecting variations based on patient volume, specialization, and local market demand. Urban centers generally offer different compensation structures than rural areas due to population density and competition.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Kansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $85,010 |
| 25th percentile | $118,910 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $138,580 |
| 75th percentile | $160,270 |
| 90th percentile | $192,720 |
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 Kansas 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 Kansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $107,820 |
| 2023 | $124,810 |
| 2024 | $128,510 |
| 2025 | $138,580 |
| 2026 (projected) | $146,895 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $107,820 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $124,810 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $128,510 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $138,580 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $146,895 | $144,274 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Kansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $118,910 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $138,580 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $160,270 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $192,720 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Kansas
How other high-demand occupations in Kansas compare to Optometrist ($138,580 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist in KS | $437,030 | +215.4% | $210.11/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KS | $278,100 | +100.7% | $133.70/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KS | $229,390 | +65.5% | $110.28/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KS | $220,770 | +59.3% | $106.14/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KS | $212,090 | +53.0% | $101.97/hr |
| Pediatrician in KS | $209,840 | +51.4% | $100.88/hr |
| Radiologist in KS | $179,990 | +29.9% | $86.53/hr |
| Pharmacist in KS | $137,800 | -0.6% | $66.25/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in KS | $126,650 | -8.6% | $60.89/hr |
| Physician Assistant in KS | $125,640 | -9.3% | $60.40/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in KS | $111,030 | -19.9% | $53.38/hr |
| Veterinarian in KS | $107,080 | -22.7% | $51.48/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Kansas?
- The median salary for optometrists in Kansas is $138,580 per year, or approximately $67 per hour. This is about 1.8% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for optometrists in Kansas?
- Optometrist salaries in Kansas range from $85,010 at the lower end to $192,720 at the higher end, representing a significant variation based on experience, location, and practice type.
How many optometrists are employed in Kansas?
- There are approximately 660 optometrists currently employed in Kansas, indicating a stable job market for eye care professionals in the state.
Is the optometrist salary in Kansas above the national average?
- Yes, Kansas optometrists earn slightly above the national average, with the median salary of $138,580 per year representing a 1.8% premium compared to the national median.