Optometrist Salary in Nebraska
Based on 340+ workers in Nebraska
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (NE)
$125,040
$60.12/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
-8.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $205K
340 employed in Nebraska
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Nebraska
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,170 |
| 25th percentile | $76,020 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $125,040 |
| 75th percentile | $162,760 |
| 90th percentile | $205,450 |
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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Nebraska) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $120,020 |
| 2023 | $123,970 |
| 2024 | $116,850 |
| 2025 | $125,040 |
| 2026 (projected) | $132,542 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Nebraska Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $120,020 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $123,970 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $116,850 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $125,040 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $132,542 | $144,274 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Nebraska
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $76,020 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $125,040 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $162,760 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $205,450 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Nebraska
How other high-demand occupations in Nebraska compare to Optometrist ($125,040 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in NE | $646,300 | +416.9% | $310.72/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NE | $371,880 | +197.4% | $178.79/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NE | $342,570 | +174.0% | $164.70/hr |
| Surgeon in NE | $341,410 | +173.0% | $164.14/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in NE | $334,210 | +167.3% | $160.68/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NE | $246,730 | +97.3% | $118.62/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NE | $228,590 | +82.8% | $109.90/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NE | $221,360 | +77.0% | $106.42/hr |
| Dentist in NE | $179,750 | +43.8% | $86.42/hr |
| Pediatrician in NE | $175,990 | +40.7% | $84.61/hr |
| Pharmacist in NE | $139,330 | +11.4% | $66.99/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in NE | $138,880 | +11.1% | $66.77/hr |