Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Lacey, WA: $84,529 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Lacey, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,529 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lacey's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,705 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($145,740) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New optometrists entering the workforce in Lacey, Washington, can expect starting salaries around $84,529 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city median for optometrists, which stands at $145,740, revealing a clear gap that new graduates should be prepared for as they begin their careers. Over the first few years of practice, entry-level professionals may see their earnings rise to approximately $118,991, reflecting realistic growth as they gain experience and cultivate their patient base. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.96%, Lacey presents a favorable opportunity for new grads looking to establish themselves in a market that supports salary progression, especially given the demand for primary eye care and management of ocular conditions.
About the Lacey Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lacey
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 Lacey
Entry-level optometrists in Lacey, WA typically start between $84,529 and $118,991 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $137,674 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $145,740 — 3.65% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Washington of $170,000 represents just 201.11% of the starting optometrist pay ($84,529/year) in Lacey. 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 Lacey
- 1Research the Lacey market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $84,529 to $118,991, 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 Lacey, 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 Lacey for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lacey'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 Lacey is $137,674 ( 162.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,529, experienced hygienists can earn up to $222,203.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,916
2025 BLS Actual
$82,099
2026 Current Est.
$84,529
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Lacey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,916 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,616 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,537 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,151 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,254 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,522 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,099 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,529 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,031 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Lacey, WA grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,916 in 2019 to $82,099 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,031. New graduates entering the Lacey job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lacey 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 Lacey
In Lacey, several employers actively seek to hire new optometrists. Retail chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks are among the top recruiters, often providing a structured environment to help recent graduates transition into practice. Meanwhile, local OD/MD practices tend to prefer residency-trained optometrists, particularly for specialized roles. For those committed to a long-term career, pursuing credentials such as a glaucoma certification or completing an optional residency can boost starting optometrist pay in WA significantly. As the scope of optical practice expands to include strategies for glaucoma management and oral medications, understanding the evolving landscape is critical for career advancement. In light of these factors, realistic salary expectations for new optometrists in their first three years in Lacey suggest steady increases, especially for those who make strategic choices regarding employment and continuing education.
More salary data for Lacey, WA:
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 Lacey. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lacey 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