Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Laramie, WY: $76,964 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Laramie, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,964 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Laramie's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,338 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($132,696) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new optometrists stepping into the field in Laramie, Wyoming, the starting salary is projected at $76,964 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $132,696. This gap of nearly $56,000 serves as a reminder that those entering the profession should be prepared for a modest beginning. However, the trajectory from this entry-level salary to the 25th percentile mark of $106,304 indicates a pathway for growth over the first few years. With an annual growth rate of 2.96%, early-career optometrists can expect their salaries to incrementally improve as they gain experience and build a patient base. As the demand for eye care continues to grow in this market, Laramie presents a favorable environment for recent graduates eager to establish themselves in the optometry field.
About the Laramie Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Laramie
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 Laramie
Entry-level optometrists in Laramie, WY typically start between $76,964 and $106,304 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $109,026 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $132,696 — 5.63% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Wyoming of $135,000 represents just 175.41% of the starting optometrist pay ($76,964/year) in Laramie. 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 Laramie
- 1Research the Laramie market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $76,964 to $106,304, 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 Laramie, 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 Laramie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Laramie'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 Laramie is $109,026 ( 141.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,964, experienced hygienists can earn up to $185,990.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,106
2025 BLS Actual
$74,751
2026 Current Est.
$76,964
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Laramie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,106 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,653 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,492 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,051 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,877 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,294 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,751 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,964 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,242 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Laramie, WY grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,106 in 2019 to $74,751 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,242. New graduates entering the Laramie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laramie 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 Laramie
When considering the landscape for new graduates, it is crucial to identify potential employers that are receptive to entry-level optometrists. Retail chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks are leading employers, often providing structured ramp-up programs that help new OD grads acclimate to their roles. More exclusive practices may prefer residency-trained optometrists, especially for specialized areas like ocular disease or pediatric optometry. Credentials play a key role in enhancing starting pay in Wyoming; obtaining an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited school and passing the NBEO exams are fundamental, while pursuing a residency or securing certifications such as glaucoma management can give candidates a competitive edge. Optometrists should focus on building a strong foundation during their first years by staying engaged with ongoing education, as the field continues to evolve with expanded scopes of practice including oral medications and laser treatments in Wyoming. Successfully navigating these early stages can lead to realistic salary increases as new optometrists become established in this growing market.
More salary data for Laramie, 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 Laramie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laramie 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