Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Federal Way, WA: $86,799 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Federal Way, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $86,799 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Federal Way's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,818 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($149,654) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the optometry field in Federal Way can expect a starting salary of around $86,799 in 2026, which is considerably lower than the city's median salary of $149,654. While this initial pay may seem modest, it represents the first step in a career trajectory that could lead to earnings around $119,092 within the first few years as they gain experience. Over time, many entry-level optometrists can anticipate moving closer to the median salary with diligence and skill development. Given the expected growth rate of 2.96% annually in this market, Federal Way offers a viable opportunity for new grad optometrists seeking to establish themselves in a competitive field.
About the Federal Way Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Federal Way
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 Federal Way
Entry-level optometrists in Federal Way, WA typically start between $86,799 and $119,092 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $137,510 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $149,654 — 6.43% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Washington of $170,000 represents just 195.85% of the starting optometrist pay ($86,799/year) in Federal Way. 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 Federal Way
- 1Research the Federal Way market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $86,799 to $119,092, 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 Federal Way, 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 Federal Way for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Federal Way'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 Federal Way is $137,510 ( 158.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $86,799, experienced hygienists can earn up to $224,309.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,660
2025 BLS Actual
$84,304
2026 Current Est.
$86,799
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Federal Way (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,660 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,405 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,351 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,981 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,168 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,360 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,304 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,799 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,369 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Federal Way, WA grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,660 in 2019 to $84,304 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $89,369. New graduates entering the Federal Way job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Federal Way 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 Federal Way
In Federal Way, various employers actively recruit new optometry graduates, including retail chains like LensCrafters and MyEyeDr, which offer structured ramp-up programs for early-career ODs. Additionally, residency-trained optometrists may find opportunities in OD/MD practices and the VA system that typically favor those with advanced training. To boost beginning salaries in Washington, having an OD from an ACOE-accredited institution and completing NBEO Parts I-III are crucial, while pursuing optional residency programs can differentiate candidates in the job market. With the expansion of the optometry scope of practice, including glaucoma management and the use of oral medications, recent graduates can leverage these credentials to enhance their career prospects. Realistically, those in entry-level positions should plan for steady salary growth, ideally reaching more competitive figures as they navigate the first few years in the profession.
More salary data for Federal Way, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Federal Way in 2026?
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Is optometry school worth it in Federal Way?
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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 Federal Way. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Federal Way 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