Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Cody, WY: $75,264 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Cody, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,264 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cody's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,564 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($129,067) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new optometrists embarking on their careers in Cody, Wyoming, the starting pay can present an intriguing landscape. In 2026, the entry-level optometrist salary in Cody is projected to begin at around $75,264, significantly lower than the median annual salary of $129,067 for all optometrists in the city. New graduates can anticipate progress within just a few years, moving toward the 25th percentile of $105,635 as they gain experience. With a growth rate of 2.96% annually, Cody is currently a promising market for recent optometry graduates, offering them an opportunity to advance in their careers while enjoying a relatively lower cost of living compared to the national average.
About the Cody Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cody
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 Cody
Entry-level optometrists in Cody, WY typically start between $75,264 and $105,635 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $100,645 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $129,067 — 8.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Wyoming of $135,000 represents just 179.37% of the starting optometrist pay ($75,264/year) in Cody. 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 Cody
- 1Research the Cody market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $75,264 to $105,635, 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 Cody, 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 Cody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cody'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 Cody is $100,645 ( 133.72%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,264, experienced hygienists can earn up to $175,909.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,800
2025 BLS Actual
$73,100
2026 Current Est.
$75,264
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Cody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,800 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,314 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,134 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,681 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,444 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,371 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,100 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,264 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,492 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Cody, WY grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,800 in 2019 to $73,100 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,492. New graduates entering the Cody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cody 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 Cody
Employers in Cody that actively hire new graduates include retail chains such as LensCrafters, MyEyeDr, and Visionworks, which often have structured onboarding and mentorship programs. In private practice settings, starting salaries can vary widely based on the practice's structure and whether associates are expected to make buy-in commitments. To enhance their starting optometrist salary in Cody, newcomers should focus on obtaining their optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited institution, passing the NBEO Parts I-III, and securing state licensure. Continuing education, particularly in areas such as glaucoma management and oral pharmaceutical agents, can also boost career prospects. New optometrists should anticipate realistic salary growth as they gain a foothold in this evolving field, adapting to new roles and responsibilities that come with expanding practice scopes in Wyoming.
More salary data for Cody, 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 Cody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cody 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