Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Medford, OR: $81,736 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Medford, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,736 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medford's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,665 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($140,923) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the optometry field in Medford, Oregon, the entry-level optometrist salary in 2026 is projected at around $81,736. This figure falls significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $140,923, meaning that early-career optometrists can expect to earn roughly 58% of the median salary as they begin their professional journey. However, as entry-level practitioners gain experience, they can anticipate salary growth; moving from the 10th percentile ($81,736) to the 25th percentile ($114,193) is a realistic expectation within the first few years. Given the demand for qualified optometrists and the area's favorable job market, Medford is a promising place for new grads to establish their careers and ultimately increase their earning potential over time.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medford
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 Medford
Entry-level optometrists in Medford, OR typically start between $81,736 and $114,193 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $131,681 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $140,923 — 0.22% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Oregon of $165,000 represents just 201.87% of the starting optometrist pay ($81,736/year) in Medford. 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 Medford
- 1Research the Medford market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $81,736 to $114,193, 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 Medford, 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 Medford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medford'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 Medford is $131,681 ( 161.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,736, experienced hygienists can earn up to $213,417.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,771
2025 BLS Actual
$79,386
2026 Current Est.
$81,736
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,771 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,414 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,940 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,790 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,217 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,386 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,736 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,155 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Medford, OR grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,771 in 2019 to $79,386 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,155. New graduates entering the Medford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
In terms of employment opportunities, several retailers like LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr often hire new graduate optometrists, providing structured support as they transition into their roles. Additionally, residency-trained optometrists may find opportunities within more specialized settings, including OD/MD practices and the VA system. To elevate starting pay, credentials play a crucial role; obtaining an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited school, alongside passing all NBEO Parts and acquiring state licensure, lays a solid foundation. Some optometrists choose to pursue further education, like a one-year residency focusing on ocular disease or pediatric optometry, which can significantly enhance their qualifications. Furthermore, as the scope of practice widens, especially concerning glaucoma management and oral medications, new graduates should keep abreast of industry changes and consider linking with professional organizations like the AOA to maintain a competitive edge. In the early years, ambitious optometrists may see salaries gradually approach the first quartile of $114,193 as they navigate this evolving field and carve out their niche in Medford.
More salary data for Medford, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Medford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medford 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