Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Jackson, WY: $72,045 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Jackson, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,045 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,204 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($123,201) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jackson, Wyoming, new graduates entering the optometry field can expect to see a starting salary around $72,045 in 2026. This amount is significantly lower than the city’s median optometrist salary of $123,201, highlighting a common disparity that entry-level professionals often face. However, the landscape presents a promising growth trajectory: new optometrists can anticipate increases in their pay as they gain experience, moving from initial incomes to approximately $98,589 after a few years. While the starting optometrist salary in Jackson may not rival bigger markets, the supportive community and ongoing demand for eye care services create an encouraging environment for recent graduates looking to build their careers.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level optometrists in Jackson, WY typically start between $72,045 and $98,589 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $96,981 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $123,201 — 12.38% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Wyoming of $135,000 represents just 187.38% of the starting optometrist pay ($72,045/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $72,045 to $98,589, 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 Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $96,981 ( 134.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,045, experienced hygienists can earn up to $169,026.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,329
2025 BLS Actual
$69,974
2026 Current Est.
$72,045
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,329 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,777 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,562 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,086 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,731 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,263 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,974 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,045 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,178 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, WY grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,329 in 2019 to $69,974 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,178. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
Beginning a career in optometry in Jackson offers unique opportunities, especially for those ready to engage with various employers in the area. Retail chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks frequently hire new graduates, often providing structured training programs that can foster skill development. Additionally, some private practices may require a commitment to buy-in, while more established ODs may seek out residency-trained candidates, particularly in specialty fields. Credentialing can also enhance earning potential; certification for glaucoma management and oral pharmaceutical agents is particularly valuable in Wyoming. Recent grads should focus on adapting to a changing market where expanding scopes of practice, such as managing glaucoma and prescribing therapeutic agents, are increasingly critical. Armed with the right credentials and a proactive career strategy, entry-level optometrists in Jackson can realistically anticipate growth in their salaries over the first few years, setting a solid foundation for a rewarding career in eye care.
More salary data for Jackson, 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 Jackson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jackson 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