Optometrist Salary in Texas
Based on 4K+ workers in Texas
Median Annual Salary (TX)
$126,000
$60.58/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
-7.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$54K – $164K
4K employed in Texas
Exploring the Optometrist salary in Texas reveals a median annual income of $126,000. This places Texas optometrists' earnings approximately 7% below the national average, with a salary range from $54,180 to $164,420. Currently, around 4,110 optometrists are employed within the state, indicating a healthy job market for the profession.
Several factors influence the Optometrist salary in Texas. These can include the specific geographic location within the state, with larger metropolitan areas potentially offering higher compensation, as well as the optometrist's years of experience and specialization. The type of practice, whether private, corporate, or hospital-based, also plays a significant role in determining earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Texas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $54,180 |
| 25th percentile | $101,700 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $126,000 |
| 75th percentile | $155,090 |
| 90th percentile | $164,420 |
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 Texas 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 Texas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Texas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $121,770 |
| 2023 | $130,580 |
| 2024 | $128,360 |
| 2025 | $126,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $126,000 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Texas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $121,770 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $130,580 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $128,360 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $126,000 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $126,000 | $136,108 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Texas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $101,700 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $126,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $155,090 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $164,420 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Texas
How other high-demand occupations in Texas compare to Optometrist ($126,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in TX | $410,150 | +225.5% | $197.19/hr |
| Radiologist in TX | $319,320 | +153.4% | $153.52/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in TX | $316,830 | +151.5% | $152.32/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in TX | $271,960 | +115.8% | $130.75/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in TX | $269,110 | +113.6% | $129.38/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in TX | $244,990 | +94.4% | $117.78/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in TX | $235,710 | +87.1% | $113.32/hr |
| Psychiatrist in TX | $228,460 | +81.3% | $109.84/hr |
| Surgeon in TX | $222,820 | +76.8% | $107.13/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in TX | $215,230 | +70.8% | $103.48/hr |
| Podiatrist in TX | $175,520 | +39.3% | $84.38/hr |
| Pediatrician in TX | $173,360 | +37.6% | $83.35/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Texas?
- The median salary for an optometrist in Texas is $126,000 per year, which breaks down to about $61 per hour. The salary range for optometrists in Texas typically falls between $54,180 and $164,420 annually.
What is the difference between Texas optometrist salaries and the national average?
- Optometrists in Texas earn 7.4% less than the national average salary. This means that while the national median might be higher, Texas offers a competitive, albeit slightly lower, earning potential in the field.
How many optometrists are employed in Texas?
- There are approximately 4,110 optometrists employed in Texas. This indicates a significant presence of eye care professionals across the state.
What is the typical salary range for an optometrist in Texas?
- In Texas, optometrist salaries can range from $54,180 for entry-level positions to $164,420 for more experienced professionals. The median salary of $126,000 sits comfortably within this broad spectrum.