Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Camas, WA: $83,117 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Camas, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $83,117 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Camas's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,390 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($143,305) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the optometry field in Camas, WA, can expect an entry-level optometrist salary starting around $83,117. While this initial compensation falls below the city's median salary of $143,305, it represents a solid foundation for those early in their careers. Over the first three to five years, new grads might see their earnings move from this entry-level figure upwards to about $116,437, which is the 25th percentile salary. Given the projected salary growth rate of 2.96% annually, the outlook indicates a promising trajectory for new optometrists establishing themselves in the market. In the context of Washington's overall cost of living, which is slightly above the national average, Camas remains an attractive option for new graduates seeking career opportunities.
About the Camas Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Camas
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 Camas
Entry-level optometrists in Camas, WA typically start between $83,117 and $116,437 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $125,416 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $143,305 — 1.92% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Washington of $170,000 represents just 204.53% of the starting optometrist pay ($83,117/year) in Camas. 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 Camas
- 1Research the Camas market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $83,117 to $116,437, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Camas, 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 Camas for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Camas'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 Camas is $125,416 ( 150.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $83,117, experienced hygienists can earn up to $208,533.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,831
2025 BLS Actual
$80,727
2026 Current Est.
$83,117
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Camas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,831 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,502 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,408 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,012 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,063 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,484 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,727 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,117 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,577 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Camas, WA grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,831 in 2019 to $80,727 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,577. New graduates entering the Camas job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camas 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 Camas
Employers in Camas that commonly recruit new optometrists include retail chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks, which often offer structured onboarding programs beneficial for recent graduates. These employers typically provide a supportive transition from academic training to practical application in the field. Additionally, more specialized opportunities exist within Optometry and Medical Doctor (OD/MD) practices, which are eager to hire residency-trained ODs. This gives an edge to candidates with further credentials, such as glaucoma certification and oral pharmaceutical agent (TPA) certification, enhancing their marketability. During the first few years, new graduates should strategically consider roles that allow them to expand their skill sets, particularly in areas like glaucoma management and oral medications, which bolster their practical experience and earning potential. With the evolving scope of optometry practice, including select laser procedures, career growth expectations for new entrants in Camas suggest they could see significant upward mobility in salary within their first few years.
More salary data for Camas, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Camas in 2026?
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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 Camas. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camas 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