Optometrist Salary in Kentucky
Based on 430+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$128,860
$61.95/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
-5.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$82K – $255K
430 employed in Kentucky
The optometrist salary in Kentucky averages $128,860 per year for the approximately 430 workers currently employed in the state. This falls about 5% below the national average, though individual earnings can vary significantly. Kentucky optometrists earn anywhere from $82,240 to $254,630 annually, reflecting differences in experience, practice settings, and patient demographics across the state.
Several factors influence optometrist salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, type of employer, and geographic location within the state. Optometrists working in rural areas may face different compensation structures than those in urban centers, while those in private practice often have greater earning potential than employees at retail chains or hospitals. Specializations and additional certifications can also impact earning capacity in this field.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $82,240 |
| 25th percentile | $97,290 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $128,860 |
| 75th percentile | $168,030 |
| 90th percentile | $254,630 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $121,380 |
| 2023 | $130,210 |
| 2024 | $132,000 |
| 2025 | $128,860 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,860 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $121,380 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $130,210 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $132,000 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $128,860 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,860 | $136,108 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $97,290 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $128,860 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $168,030 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $254,630 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Optometrist ($128,860 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in KY | $558,180 | +333.2% | $268.36/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | +170.0% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | +146.1% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | +117.3% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | +93.0% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | +87.4% | $116.12/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KY | $237,770 | +84.5% | $114.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KY | $222,520 | +72.7% | $106.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | +56.2% | $96.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | +36.3% | $84.47/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in KY | $169,390 | +31.5% | $81.44/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | +25.8% | $77.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for optometrists in Kentucky is $128,860 per year, or approximately $62 per hour. This is about 5.3% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for optometrists in Kentucky?
- Optometrist salaries in Kentucky range from $82,240 at the lower end to $254,630 at the higher end, reflecting variation based on experience, location, and practice type.
How many optometrists are employed in Kentucky?
- There are currently 430 optometrists employed in Kentucky, representing the total workforce in this profession across the state.
Is the optometrist salary in Kentucky competitive compared to the national average?
- Kentucky's median optometrist salary of $128,860 is slightly below the national average, falling 5.3% lower. However, the state still offers a viable career path with salaries ranging up to $254,630 for experienced practitioners.