Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Coos Bay, OR: $79,156 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Coos Bay, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,156 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Coos Bay's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,150 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($136,475) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the optometry field in Coos Bay, Oregon, the entry-level optometrist salary is projected at $79,156 in 2026. This figure sits significantly below the city's median salary for optometrists, which stands at $136,475. Such a disparity highlights the income growth potential as one advances from early career stages to more experienced roles. Over the first few years, starting pay may increase alongside professional development, with optimistic new grads moving from the P10 range to around $114,306 by the time they reach the 25th percentile. Despite the initial gap, Coos Bay presents a favorable market for newly minted optometrists, especially given the projected 2.96% annual growth rate and the demand for vision care.
About the Coos Bay Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Coos Bay
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 Coos Bay
Entry-level optometrists in Coos Bay, OR typically start between $79,156 and $114,306 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $115,820 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $136,475 — 2.94% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Oregon of $165,000 represents just 208.45% of the starting optometrist pay ($79,156/year) in Coos Bay. 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 Coos Bay
- 1Research the Coos Bay market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $79,156 to $114,306, 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 Coos Bay, 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 Coos Bay for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Coos Bay'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 Coos Bay is $115,820 ( 146.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,156, experienced hygienists can earn up to $194,976.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,789
2025 BLS Actual
$76,880
2026 Current Est.
$79,156
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Coos Bay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,789 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,381 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,243 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,819 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,724 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,685 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,156 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,499 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Coos Bay, OR grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,789 in 2019 to $76,880 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,499. New graduates entering the Coos Bay job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coos Bay 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 Coos Bay
In Coos Bay, several employers actively recruit new graduates, including retail chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks, which often feature structured ramp-up programs perfect for those fresh out of school. Additionally, local OD/MD practices may seek residency-trained optometrists, particularly those with specialized skills in ocular disease or pediatric care. Earning an OD from an ACOE-accredited institution, passing the NBEO Parts I-III, and obtaining state licensure are crucial steps for any new grad. Furthermore, advancing one’s credentials through residency, glaucoma certification, or TPA can enhance initial employment salaries. As new optometrists navigate their first few years in the field, they should also consider the expanded scope of practice, which includes glaucoma management and oral medications, providing greater opportunities for both professional growth and income potential. Realistically, many can expect gradual salary growth as they gain experience and expertise, aligning their new grad optometrist pay in OR with industry standards over the subsequent years.
More salary data for Coos Bay, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Coos Bay in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in Coos Bay?
Is optometry school worth it in Coos Bay?
What do new optometrists make right out of school in Coos Bay?
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 Coos Bay. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Coos Bay 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