HealthcareUpdated Q1 2026

Optometrist Salary
in Cincinnati, OH

Examine eyes for vision problems and disease, prescribing corrective lenses and treatment. Median salary in Cincinnati: $132K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$132K
per year
Take-home: $88K

Salary range in Cincinnati

Entry level (25th)$108,000
Median (50th)$132,000
Senior (75th)$161,000
Top earner (90th)$202,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Cincinnati, Ohio. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →

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What the numbers say for Cincinnati

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.

4% discount vs national median

Optometrists in Cincinnati earn approximately 4% lower than the US national median for this role — a $6,000 discount on annual base salary. Cincinnati's lower wage level partially reflects the area's cost-of-living index of 88 (US avg = 100).

Cost-of-living adjusted picture

Adjusted for Cincinnati's cost-of-living index (88), the median Optometrist salary buys the equivalent of $150,000 in a US-average-cost city. That's $12,000 more purchasing power than the national median — a meaningful real-wage advantage.

Primarily on-site role

Only 5% of Optometrist positions offer remote flexibility, meaning the Cincinnati salary above represents what local employers actually pay — not a remote-anywhere rate. Geographic constraints reinforce the local market, so the salary range above is more directly applicable than for remote-friendly roles.

Key facts for Cincinnati

Median salary
$132K
annual
Take-home pay
$88K
after fed/state tax
COL index
88
100 = US avg
State income tax
3.99%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,150
per month
YoY growth
+2.8%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Cincinnati Optometrist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $132K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Cincinnati

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Optometrist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$111K$121K$130K$140K$149K201920212023202520272029
2026
$135K
projected
2027
$139K
projected
2028
$142K
projected
2029
$146K
projected
2030
$149K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$132,000+$0
2028 projected$132,000+$0
2029 projected$132,000+$0
2030 projected$132,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Optometrist Salary in Cincinnati, Ohio: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Optometrist salary in Cincinnati, OH is $132,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Cincinnati–OH metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Optometrist in Cincinnati

Entry-level Optometrists in Cincinnati with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $108,000 and $132,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $132,000 to $161,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $161,000 to $202,000 or more.

Cost of living in Cincinnati for Optometrists

Cincinnati has a cost of living index of 88 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 12% further in Cincinnati than the national average. Ohio has a 3.99% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Optometrist

Doctor of Optometry (OD); state licensure. 5% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Optometrist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Cincinnati (current)$132K88
Columbus$135K90
Cleveland$131K82
Toledo$108K78
Akron$110K80
Dayton$110K80