Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Riverton, WY: $77,555 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Riverton, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,555 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Riverton's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,955 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($125,382) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, newly graduated optometrists in Riverton, Wyoming can expect an entry-level optometrist salary starting at around $77,555, significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $125,382. This disparity suggests that while there may be a solid foundation for growth in the early years of their careers, it can take some time to reach the median. Over the first 3-5 years of practice, earning potential can realistically increase as students gain experience and advance through the salary ranges, with those at the 25th percentile earning around $105,847. Given Riverton's relatively stable market condition and the continued demand for eye care services, it represents a promising opportunity for new graduates looking to establish their careers.
About the Riverton Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Riverton
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 Riverton
Entry-level optometrists in Riverton, WY typically start between $77,555 and $105,847 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $98,536 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $125,382 — 10.83% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Wyoming of $135,000 represents just 174.07% of the starting optometrist pay ($77,555/year) in Riverton. 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 Riverton
- 1Research the Riverton market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $77,555 to $105,847, 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 Riverton, 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 Riverton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Riverton'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 Riverton is $98,536 ( 127.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,555, experienced hygienists can earn up to $176,091.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,560
2025 BLS Actual
$75,325
2026 Current Est.
$77,555
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Riverton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,560 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,119 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,964 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,528 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,375 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,349 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,325 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,555 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,850 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Riverton, WY grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,560 in 2019 to $75,325 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,850. New graduates entering the Riverton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Riverton 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 Riverton
Employers in Riverton that commonly hire new grads primarily include retail chains like LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr, which offer structured onboarding programs for fresh ODs. More specialized practices, such as those associated with the VA system or those requiring residency training, may favor candidates with additional credentials, like a formal residency or board certifications in glaucoma management and oral pharmaceutical agents. For optometrists just starting out, pursuing an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited school, along with NBEO Parts I-III and state licensure, will set the stage for stronger earning potential. However, it’s crucial for new grads to consider their employment strategy: while private practices increasingly require buy-ins, the expanded scope of practice in optometry enhances job prospects and salary growth. Realistically, new graduates might see their salaries rise in line with the field’s steady growth rate of 2.96%, reflecting the evolving nature of optometry practice in Wyoming.
More salary data for Riverton, 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 Riverton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Riverton 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