Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Evanston, WY: $78,630 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Evanston, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,630 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Evanston's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,077 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($125,846) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of optometry in Evanston, Wyoming, can expect an entry-level optometrist salary around $78,630, which sits significantly lower than the city's median salary of $125,846. This gap highlights the typical financial trajectory for early-career ODs in the region, where effective strategies can enable them to achieve milestones like $106,812 after a few years. Given the competitive yet growing market for optometrists—with a projected yearly growth rate of 2.96%—Evanston presents a reasonable opportunity for fresh graduates. New ODs should be prepared to capitalize on local demand as they build their practices and reputations, enabling them to move up the pay scale more swiftly.
About the Evanston Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Evanston
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 Evanston
Entry-level optometrists in Evanston, WY typically start between $78,630 and $106,812 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $91,168 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $125,846 — 10.5% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Wyoming of $135,000 represents just 171.69% of the starting optometrist pay ($78,630/year) in Evanston. 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 Evanston
- 1Research the Evanston market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $78,630 to $106,812, 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 Evanston, 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 Evanston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Evanston'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 Evanston is $91,168 ( 115.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,630, experienced hygienists can earn up to $169,798.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,385
2025 BLS Actual
$76,369
2026 Current Est.
$78,630
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,385 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,966 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,823 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,394 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,281 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,318 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,369 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,630 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,957 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Evanston, WY grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,385 in 2019 to $76,369 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,957. New graduates entering the Evanston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evanston 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 Evanston
Employers within Evanston that frequently hire new optometry graduates include retail chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks, which typically provide structured onboarding programs to help ease the transition into the workforce. In addition to the many private practices undergoing acquisition by companies such as MyEyeDr, opportunities also exist with residency-trained positions in OD/MD collaborations and government entities like the Veterans Affairs. To enhance starting pay in Wyoming, graduates must ensure they hold an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution, complete the NBEO Parts I-III, and obtain a state optometry license. In a profession where the scope of practice has recently expanded to include glaucoma management and the administration of oral medications, continuing education and certifications can positively influence salary potential. New ODs might envision realistic pay growth within their first few years as they establish their client base and gain valuable experience, making the investment in credentials essential for setting themselves apart in the local job market.
More salary data for Evanston, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Evanston in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in Evanston?
Is optometry school worth it in Evanston?
What do new optometrists make right out of school in Evanston?
How do I become a optometrist in Wyoming?
Related Pages
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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 Evanston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Evanston 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