Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Sedona, AZ: $75,412 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Sedona, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,412 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sedona's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,560 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($130,021) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the optometry field in Sedona, Arizona, can anticipate a starting salary of around $75,412, providing a substantial foundation as they embark on their careers. Although this figure represents about 58% of the city’s median salary of $130,021, new grads can realistically expect to advance their earnings rapidly. Over the initial three to five years, salaries are projected to increase steadily, moving from the P10 estimate of approximately $75,412 to a more attainable P25 of $110,600, reflecting the growth potential in this market. Given the demand for eye care professionals and the relatively low competition (with only five optometrists currently employed in the region), Sedona appears to be a beneficial market for new optometrists seeking to establish themselves.
About the Sedona Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sedona
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sedona
Entry-level optometrists in Sedona, AZ typically start between $75,412 and $110,600 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $108,466 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $130,021 — 7.53% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Arizona of $150,000 represents just 198.91% of the starting optometrist pay ($75,412/year) in Sedona. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOE-accredited Doctor of Optometry programs. Public school OD programs offer lower in-state tuition, while private institutions carry higher out-of-pocket costs. Totals reflect tuition and fees for the 4-year professional program; clinical rotation travel and living costs add to the total cost of attendance.
OD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Sedona
- 1Research the Sedona market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $75,412 to $110,600, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the optometry field — employers in AZ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Sedona, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Sedona for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sedona's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Optometrist Compensation Range
The optometrist wage spread in Sedona is $108,466 ( 143.83%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,412, experienced hygienists can earn up to $183,878.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,914
2025 BLS Actual
$73,244
2026 Current Est.
$75,412
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Sedona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,914 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,431 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,252 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,800 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,569 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,403 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,244 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,412 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,644 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Sedona, AZ grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,914 in 2019 to $73,244 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,644. New graduates entering the Sedona job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sedona metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your optometry Career in Sedona
New graduates in Sedona should focus on the specific employers that are likely to hire entry-level optometrists, such as retail chains like LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr, which typically have structured onboarding processes for recent graduates. Additionally, OD/MD practices and the VA system often favor residency-trained optometrists, though there are opportunities in private practice associate roles that may require a buy-in commitment. To boost starting pay in Arizona, it is advisable for new graduates to pursue credentials such as an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited school, successful completion of the NBEO Parts I-III, and obtaining a state license. Engaging in continuing education, especially in glaucoma management and oral pharmaceutical agent (TPA) certification, can also enhance prospects in the evolving landscape of optometry. With the expansion of optometric practices and a forecasted growth trajectory for salaries over the first few years, new optometrists in Sedona can envision clear pathways to greater financial success and professional fulfillment.
More salary data for Sedona, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Sedona in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in Sedona?
Is optometry school worth it in Sedona?
What do new optometrists make right out of school in Sedona?
How do I become a optometrist in Arizona?
Related Pages
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new optometry graduates. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Sedona. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sedona is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov