Optometrist Salary in Louisiana
Based on 250+ workers in Louisiana
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$118,060
$56.76/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
-13.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $184K
250 employed in Louisiana
Optometrist salary in Louisiana averages $118,060 per year, with approximately 250 optometrists currently employed across the state. This median figure reflects the earning potential for eye care professionals in Louisiana, though salaries range considerably from $45,420 to $183,670 annually. It's worth noting that the state's optometrist salaries run about 13 percent below the national average.
Several factors influence optometrist compensation in Louisiana, including geographic location within the state, years of experience, and the type of practice setting. Optometrists working in urban areas or established private practices typically earn more than those in rural regions. Additionally, specializations in areas like contact lens fitting or therapeutic pharmaceutical agents can impact earning potential, as can the local demand for vision care services.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,420 |
| 25th percentile | $101,270 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $118,060 |
| 75th percentile | $148,030 |
| 90th percentile | $183,670 |
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $122,420 |
| 2023 | $124,920 |
| 2024 | $120,080 |
| 2025 | $118,060 |
| 2026 (projected) | $118,060 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Louisiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $122,420 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $124,920 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $120,080 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $118,060 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $118,060 | $136,108 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $101,270 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $118,060 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $148,030 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $183,670 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Optometrist ($118,060 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pediatrician in LA | $502,720 | +325.8% | $241.69/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in LA | $410,500 | +247.7% | $197.36/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in LA | $404,550 | +242.7% | $194.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in LA | $345,040 | +192.3% | $165.88/hr |
| Surgeon in LA | $304,830 | +158.2% | $146.55/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in LA | $255,330 | +116.3% | $122.75/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in LA | $222,130 | +88.2% | $106.79/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in LA | $210,390 | +78.2% | $101.15/hr |
| Podiatrist in LA | $197,480 | +67.3% | $94.94/hr |
| Dentist in LA | $170,750 | +44.6% | $82.09/hr |
| Pharmacist in LA | $132,410 | +12.2% | $63.66/hr |
| Physician Assistant in LA | $128,870 | +9.2% | $61.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Louisiana?
- The median salary for optometrists in Louisiana is $118,060 per year, or $57 per hour. This is 13.3% below the national average, making it a relatively lower-paying state for this profession compared to the rest of the country.
What is the salary range for optometrists in Louisiana?
- Optometrist salaries in Louisiana range from $45,420 at the lower end to $183,670 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and individual practice success.
How many optometrists are employed in Louisiana?
- There are approximately 250 optometrists currently employed in Louisiana. This represents the total workforce of licensed optometrists practicing in the state.
Is the optometrist salary in Louisiana competitive compared to the national average?
- No, Louisiana's optometrist median salary of $118,060 is about 13.3% lower than the national average. Job seekers considering this profession in Louisiana should factor in this below-average compensation compared to other states.