Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Spokane, WA: $90,790 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Spokane, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $90,790 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Spokane's local price level (BEA RPP 100.3 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $90,477 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($129,915) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those stepping into the optometry field in Spokane, the starting optometrist salary is projected around $90,790 in 2026. While this entry-level compensation may initially seem modest compared to the city’s median of $129,915, new graduates can anticipate steady growth in earnings as they move through the early years of their careers. Entering the field with a solid foundation from an ACOE-accredited program, new optometrists can aim for a pay range between $90,790 and $107,552 as they gain experience. This growth trajectory is promising; graduates often find their initial roles pave the way for lucrative positions within just a few years, indicating that Spokane is a market with potential for newcomers eager to build their careers in optometry.
Career Earnings Timeline in Spokane
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 Spokane
Entry-level optometrists in Spokane, WA typically start between $90,790 and $107,552 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $76,191 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $129,915 — 7.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Washington of $170,000 represents just 187.25% of the starting optometrist pay ($90,790/year) in Spokane. 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 Spokane
- 1Research the Spokane market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $90,790 to $107,552, 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 Spokane, 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 Spokane for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Spokane'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 Spokane is $76,191 ( 83.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $90,790, experienced hygienists can earn up to $166,981.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,620
2025 BLS Actual
$88,180
2026 Current Est.
$90,790
2019–2027 Growth
+71.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Spokane (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,170 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,050 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,180 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,790 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,478 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Spokane, WA grew 61.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,620 in 2019 to $88,180 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $93,478. New graduates entering the Spokane job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spokane 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 Spokane
In Spokane, a variety of employers are actively seeking new graduates in optometry. Retail chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks hire many entry-level optometrists, offering structured career pathways that can facilitate smoother transitions into the field. Additionally, there are a number of OD/MD practices in the area that focus on hiring residency-trained ODs, especially those specializing in ocular disease or pediatrics. It's important for new grads to bolster their credentials by securing their state optometry license and, if desired, completing a one-year residency to enhance their marketability. As optometry's scope continues to evolve—including expanded practices involving glaucoma management and oral medications—those willing to pursue further education in these areas may see an increase in their starting pay. In the initial years of practicing, salary growth is realistic, particularly for those who strategically align their career paths with the evolving demands of the industry in Spokane.
More salary data for Spokane, 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 Spokane. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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