Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Powell, WY: $74,006 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Powell, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,006 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Powell's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,251 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($124,069) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the optometry field in Powell, Wyoming, can expect an entry-level optometrist salary starting at approximately $74,006 in 2026. While this figure is below the median annual salary for optometrists in the city, which stands at $124,069, it is realistic for those just beginning their careers. Over the first few years, new grads can anticipate gradual salary growth, moving toward the 25th percentile pay of $103,141 and eventually bridging the gap to the median within three to five years. Given the local job market and the relatively low cost of living index of 95.8 in Powell, the area could be considered a reasonable place for new graduates to establish their careers.
About the Powell Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Powell
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 Powell
Entry-level optometrists in Powell, WY typically start between $74,006 and $103,141 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $102,071 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $124,069 — 11.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Wyoming of $135,000 represents just 182.42% of the starting optometrist pay ($74,006/year) in Powell. 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 Powell
- 1Research the Powell market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $74,006 to $103,141, 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 Powell, 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 Powell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Powell'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 Powell is $102,071 ( 137.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,006, experienced hygienists can earn up to $176,077.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,834
2025 BLS Actual
$71,878
2026 Current Est.
$74,006
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Powell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,834 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,322 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,129 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,666 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,383 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,723 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,878 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,006 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,196 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Powell, WY grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,834 in 2019 to $71,878 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,196. New graduates entering the Powell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Powell 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 Powell
In Powell, several employers actively hire newly credentialed optometrists, providing structured career paths that enhance starting salaries. Retail chains such as LensCrafters and Visionworks are key employers, particularly for graduates seeking a streamlined entry into the field. Additionally, the local market may offer opportunities in private practice settings; however, some of these roles may require a financial commitment to buy-in. Candidates with a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an ACOE-accredited school, alongside certifications in NBEO Parts I-III and potential residency training, will stand out. Continuing education, particularly in glaucoma management and the administration of oral pharmaceuticals, can increase earning potential and expand job opportunities as the scope of practice continues to grow in Wyoming. Early-career optometrists can expect to see their salaries increase steadily, fostering a promising professional trajectory during the formative years in the industry.
More salary data for Powell, 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 Powell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Powell 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