Counter-Intuitive: Rural FQHC Optometrists Earn $17K MORE Than Urban ($168K vs $151K) — ACU 2023 Survey

Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU) 2023 Community Health Center Optometry Workforce Survey (n=37 ODs): rural FQHC optometrists earn $168K average vs urban $151K — a $17K rural premium. Average across all FQHC ODs: $155K.

This reverses the conventional assumption that urban=higher comp and reflects acute rural-recruitment premiums (relocation bonuses, sign-on, retention). Average productivity: 16.1 patient visits per 8-hour day, with technician support yielding 15.9/day.

At $202.65 PPS base rate × 16 visits = ~$3,242/day in PPS revenue — meaning each FQHC OD generates 4-5× their salary in encounter revenue. Useful counter-narrative for displaced urban candidates considering rural FQHC opportunities, and for CA FQHC executives recruiting in North State, North Coast, Central Valley.