Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Longview, WA: $85,422 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Longview, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,422 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Longview's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,536 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($147,278) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduating as a new optometrist in Longview, Washington, comes with an anticipated starting salary of $85,422. While this entry-level figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $147,278, it represents a starting point that many recent graduates can learn to build upon. Over the first few years, there is potential for significant monetary growth, moving from the P10 bracket up toward the 25th percentile, projected at $115,560 after a few years of experience. Given the expected growth trajectory of 2.96% annually, Longview presents a viable market for new graduates in 2026, allowing them the chance to establish a fulfilling career in optometry while gradually closing the gap with the median salary.
About the Longview Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Longview
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 Longview
Entry-level optometrists in Longview, WA typically start between $85,422 and $115,560 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $131,429 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $147,278 — 4.74% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Washington of $170,000 represents just 199.01% of the starting optometrist pay ($85,422/year) in Longview. 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 Longview
- 1Research the Longview market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $85,422 to $115,560, 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 Longview, 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 Longview for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Longview'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 Longview is $131,429 ( 153.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,422, experienced hygienists can earn up to $216,851.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,602
2025 BLS Actual
$82,966
2026 Current Est.
$85,422
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Longview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,602 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,319 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,250 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,871 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,007 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,909 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,966 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,422 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,950 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Longview, WA grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,602 in 2019 to $82,966 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,950. New graduates entering the Longview job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longview 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 Longview
In terms of employment opportunities, Longview's landscape favors several key players in the optometry field. Retail chains like LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr often recruit new graduates, providing structured onboarding programs that aid in acclimating to the profession. For candidates considering residency training, established practices may offer enhanced career prospects, often preferring those with specialized skills in ocular disease or pediatric care. To boost starting compensation in Washington, credentials such as an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution, a state optometry license, and NBEO certification are essential, while a one-year residency could also enhance employability and salary. As the scope of optometry continues to expand, including the management of glaucoma and the ability to prescribe oral medications in most states, new grads who remain adaptable and pursue additional qualifications can realistically expect their salaries to grow into the mid- to high ranges of compensation over the first three years of their careers.
More salary data for Longview, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is optometry school worth it in Longview?
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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 Longview. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Longview 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