Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Kaysville, UT: $77,862 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Kaysville, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,862 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kaysville's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,370 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,246) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the optometry profession in Kaysville, Utah, the starting optometrist salary presents both opportunities and challenges. In 2026, entry-level positions are expected to start around $77,862, which is significantly lower than the city median annual salary of $134,246. This indicates a substantial gap that new grads will need to navigate as they build their careers. Typically, as optometrists gain experience, their salaries can be expected to rise steadily, hitting $113,174 by their first few years in practice. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.96%, Kaysville is shaping up to be a favorable market for recent graduates, providing a solid foundation from which to launch their careers.
About the Kaysville Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kaysville
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 Kaysville
Entry-level optometrists in Kaysville, UT typically start between $77,862 and $113,174 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $119,260 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,246 — 4.53% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Utah of $145,000 represents just 186.23% of the starting optometrist pay ($77,862/year) in Kaysville. 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 Kaysville
- 1Research the Kaysville market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $77,862 to $113,174, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kaysville, 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 Kaysville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kaysville'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 Kaysville is $119,260 ( 153.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,862, experienced hygienists can earn up to $197,122.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,796
2025 BLS Actual
$75,624
2026 Current Est.
$77,862
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Kaysville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,796 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,362 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,776 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,634 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,879 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,624 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,862 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,167 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Kaysville, UT grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,796 in 2019 to $75,624 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,167. New graduates entering the Kaysville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kaysville 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 Kaysville
Exploring employment opportunities in Kaysville reveals a blend of traditional and innovative pathways for new optometry graduates. Retail chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks often hire newly minted ODs, offering structured ramp-up periods that can ease the transition from school to practice. Conversely, more specialized roles in OD/MD practices typically seek residency-trained optometrists, enhancing prospects for higher starting pay and career growth within those settings. Achieving credentials such as an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution, passing NBEO Parts I-III, and obtaining state licensure are crucial for optimizing starting pay in Utah. Moreover, as the scope of practice for optometrists continues to broaden—now including significant responsibilities such as glaucoma management and oral medication prescriptions—the skills acquired during the early years directly contribute to attractive salary increases within that timeframe.
More salary data for Kaysville, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Kaysville in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in Kaysville?
Is optometry school worth it in Kaysville?
What do new optometrists make right out of school in Kaysville?
How do I become a optometrist in Utah?
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 Kaysville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kaysville 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