Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Cheyenne, WY: $77,138 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Cheyenne, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,138 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cheyenne's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,520 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($132,997) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new optometrists entering the field in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the starting optometrist salary in 2026 is projected at $77,138. This amount lies significantly below the city's median annual salary of $132,997, indicating a gap that new graduates should consider while negotiating their first jobs. While the entry-level pay might seem modest, it is important to recognize the potential for growth as they advance in their careers, with salaries potentially increasing to $109,991 at the 25th percentile and approaching the median as they gain experience. Given a projected annual growth rate of 2.96%, Cheyenne could provide a favorable market for new graduates, especially as they start building their practices and client connections.
About the Cheyenne Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cheyenne
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 Cheyenne
Entry-level optometrists in Cheyenne, WY typically start between $77,138 and $109,991 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $123,124 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $132,997 — 5.42% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Wyoming of $135,000 represents just 175.01% of the starting optometrist pay ($77,138/year) in Cheyenne. 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 Cheyenne
- 1Research the Cheyenne market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $77,138 to $109,991, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cheyenne, 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 Cheyenne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cheyenne'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 Cheyenne is $123,124 ( 159.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,138, experienced hygienists can earn up to $200,262.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,240
2025 BLS Actual
$74,920
2026 Current Est.
$77,138
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Cheyenne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,240 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,791 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,631 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,192 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,023 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,453 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,920 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,138 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,421 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Cheyenne, WY grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,240 in 2019 to $74,920 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,421. New graduates entering the Cheyenne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne
In Cheyenne, several employers actively recruit new graduates, including major retail chains such as LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr, which offer structured onboarding programs for new optometrists. Additionally, OD/MD practices often prefer residency-trained candidates, leading to competitive pay for those with specialized credentials. To enhance earning potential, new optometrists should pursue an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited optometry school, complete the NBEO Parts I-III, and secure a state license. A one-year residency program may offer further advantages. The expansion of optometric practice, including glaucoma management and oral medication prescriptive rights, opens various employment avenues, yet positions in retail chains have dwindled due to conversion mergers. Realistically, new graduates can expect to see incremental salary increases throughout the first few years, especially if they effectively leverage their credentials and growing scopes of practice in this evolving market.
More salary data for Cheyenne, WY:
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 Cheyenne. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cheyenne 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