Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Wyoming, MI: $81,263 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Wyoming, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,263 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wyoming's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,192 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($140,109) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new optometry graduates in Wyoming, Michigan, the entry-level optometrist salary in 2026 is projected to start around $81,263. While this figure may seem modest compared to the overall city median of $140,109, it reflects realistic expectations for those beginning their careers. Over the first few years, new grads can anticipate salary growth along a trajectory from the P10 level to the P25, eventually aiming for the median within 3-5 years as they gain experience and develop their skills. Given the average salary and the cost of living index of 93.2 (below the national average), Wyoming presents an appealing market for fresh graduates eager to establish themselves in the optometry field.
About the Wyoming Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wyoming
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 Wyoming
Entry-level optometrists in Wyoming, MI typically start between $81,263 and $109,444 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $133,005 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $140,109 — 0.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Michigan of $155,000 represents just 190.74% of the starting optometrist pay ($81,263/year) in Wyoming. 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 Wyoming
- 1Research the Wyoming market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $81,263 to $109,444, 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 MI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Wyoming, 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 Wyoming for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wyoming's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Optometrist Compensation Range
The optometrist wage spread in Wyoming is $133,005 ( 163.67%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,263, experienced hygienists can earn up to $214,268.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,408
2025 BLS Actual
$78,927
2026 Current Est.
$81,263
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Wyoming (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,408 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,042 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,927 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,518 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,501 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,927 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,263 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,669 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Wyoming, MI grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,408 in 2019 to $78,927 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,669. New graduates entering the Wyoming job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wyoming 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 Wyoming
In Wyoming, several employers actively recruit new graduates entering the optometry profession. Retail chains such as LensCrafters and Visionworks are key players, often providing structured onboarding and ramp-up processes for new optometrists. Additionally, traditional OD/MD practices typically favor candidates with residency training, especially for specialized roles. The Veterans Administration system also serves as a valuable pipeline for those completing their residencies. To enhance starting salaries in Michigan, new optometrists should ensure they have an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited school, have cleared all NBEO parts, and possess their state optometry license. The evolving scope of practice—expanding to include glaucoma management and oral medications across most states—provides ample opportunities for career advancement. Given that retail positions have declined due to acquisitions by larger entities, aspiring optometrists must stay informed about industry dynamics and be prepared for realistic salary growth as they build their professional practice in Wyoming, MI.
More salary data for Wyoming, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Wyoming in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in Wyoming?
Is optometry school worth it in Wyoming?
What do new optometrists make right out of school in Wyoming?
How do I become a optometrist in Michigan?
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 Wyoming. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wyoming 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