Optometrist Salary in Missouri
Optometrist pay in Missouri, explained
Optometrists in Missouri earn a median of $133,810 per year ($64.33 per hour), which is 2% below the national median of $136,570. Entry-level workers earn around $64,610, while the most experienced optometrists reach about $175,270. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Missouri.
Is $133,810 good pay in Missouri?
Adjusted for Missouri's cost of living (which runs 91% of the U.S. average), that $133,810 is worth about $147,340 in national buying power — ranking Missouri #15 for real pay (vs #31 on the sticker number).
Optometrist pay by experience in Missouri
Optometrist pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs MO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri (here) | $133,810 | $147,340 | — |
| Illinois | $145,620 | $145,681 | −$11,810 |
| Kansas | $138,580 | $153,862 | −$4,770 |
| Tennessee | $134,170 | $146,043 | −$360 |
| Kentucky | $128,860 | $142,925 | +$4,950 |
| Iowa | $125,380 | $142,864 | +$8,430 |
| Nebraska | $125,040 | $138,775 | +$8,770 |
| Arkansas | $124,470 | $143,173 | +$9,340 |
| Oklahoma | $97,350 | $110,823 | +$36,460 |
Optometrist in Missouri: FAQ
How much do optometrists make in Missouri?
Optometrists in Missouri earn a median of $133,810 per year ($64.33 per hour), compared with $136,570 nationally.
Does Missouri pay optometrists well?
At $133,810, Missouri pays 2% below the national median for optometrists. An estimated 630 work in the state.