Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Kenmore, WA: $84,570 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Kenmore, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,570 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kenmore's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,743 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,780) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the optometry field in Kenmore, Washington, can anticipate a starting salary of around $84,570, significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary for optometrists, which stands at $141,780. This gap presents a realistic view of what entry-level positions offer as compared to more experienced roles. However, there is room for growth in the early years of a career, with projections showing that those initially earning $84,570 can expect their pay to rise as they gain experience, potentially reaching $117,416 within a few years. Given these figures and an annual growth rate of 2.96%, Kenmore appears to present a favorable job market for recent graduates, especially considering the demand in the area.
About the Kenmore Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kenmore
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 Kenmore
Entry-level optometrists in Kenmore, WA typically start between $84,570 and $117,416 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $115,960 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,780 — 0.83% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Washington of $170,000 represents just 201.02% of the starting optometrist pay ($84,570/year) in Kenmore. 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 Kenmore
- 1Research the Kenmore market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $84,570 to $117,416, 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 Kenmore, 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 Kenmore for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kenmore'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 Kenmore is $115,960 ( 137.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,570, experienced hygienists can earn up to $200,530.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,948
2025 BLS Actual
$82,139
2026 Current Est.
$84,570
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Kenmore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,948 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,648 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,570 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,184 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,289 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,553 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,139 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,570 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,074 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Kenmore, WA grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,948 in 2019 to $82,139 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,074. New graduates entering the Kenmore job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenmore 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 Kenmore
Employment opportunities for new optometrists in Kenmore are robust, with retail chains like LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr often hiring recent graduates. These employers typically provide structured training programs to ease the transition into professional practice. While larger practices may seek residency-trained optometrists, entry-level positions are still available for those holding an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited school, especially when complemented by NBEO Parts I-III completion and a state license. Additionally, pursuing further credentials—such as glaucoma certification and a TPA license—can enhance starting pay and career prospects. As the optometry field evolves, embracing expanded scopes of practice, including glaucoma management and oral medications, will be essential for new grads. Early career optometrists in this market realistically might expect consistent salary advancement as they build their skills and establish professional networks within their first three years.
More salary data for Kenmore, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Kenmore in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in Kenmore?
Is optometry school worth it in Kenmore?
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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 Kenmore. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kenmore 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