Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Beaverton, OR: $83,180 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Beaverton, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $83,180 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Beaverton's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,072 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($143,414) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the optometry field can expect a starting optometrist salary in Beaverton, with figures around $83,180 for those just beginning their careers. While this initial salary is lower than the city's median of $143,414, there is a substantial growth trajectory within the first few years. Entry-level optometrists may reasonably anticipate transitioning from this starting point to $110,608 at the 25th percentile, and possibly reaching the median salary as they gain experience. Given the strong job market in Beaverton, where demand for optometrists is projected to grow, new grads can feel optimistic about their career prospects.
About the Beaverton Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Beaverton
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 Beaverton
Entry-level optometrists in Beaverton, OR typically start between $83,180 and $110,608 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $134,146 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $143,414 — 1.99% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Oregon of $165,000 represents just 198.36% of the starting optometrist pay ($83,180/year) in Beaverton. 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 Beaverton
- 1Research the Beaverton market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $83,180 to $110,608, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Beaverton, 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 Beaverton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Beaverton'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 Beaverton is $134,146 ( 161.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $83,180, experienced hygienists can earn up to $217,326.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,880
2025 BLS Actual
$80,789
2026 Current Est.
$83,180
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Beaverton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,880 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,553 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,459 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,063 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,117 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,635 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,789 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,180 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,642 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Beaverton, OR grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,880 in 2019 to $80,789 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,642. New graduates entering the Beaverton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Beaverton 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 Beaverton
In Beaverton, employers such as LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr actively recruit entry-level optometrists, often incorporating structured ramp-up programs that support skill development. In addition to these retail giants, traditional OD/MD practices and the VA system may favor residency-trained candidates, enhancing salary potential and job opportunities. For graduates, acquiring an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution, as well as passing the NBEO Parts I-III and obtaining a state optometry license, serves as a solid foundation. Furthermore, certifications like glaucoma management and oral pharmaceutical agents can elevate new grad optometrist pay in Oregon. Realistic expectations for salary growth in the first three years often see new optometrists progressing steadily within their roles, especially as the scope of practice continues to expand.
More salary data for Beaverton, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Beaverton in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in Beaverton?
Is optometry school worth it in Beaverton?
What do new optometrists make right out of school in Beaverton?
How do I become a optometrist in Oregon?
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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 Beaverton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Beaverton 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