Optometrist Salary in Alaska: $160,479 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Alaska's 5 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $160,479/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Alaska sits at BEA RPP 106.1 (6% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $151,253 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Anchorage ($167,000), Fairbanks ($143,719), Juneau ($143,247).
In 2026, the average median salary for optometrists in Alaska is projected to be $160,479, which exceeds the national median of $140,612 by 14.1%. The salary landscape varies across the state, with Anchorage offering the highest average at $171,943, while Sitka has the lowest at $137,833. This $34,110 difference can be attributed to factors such as local demand for eye care services, cost of living variations, and the concentration of healthcare facilities. Alaska’s optometrists face specific state licensing requirements and enjoy a broad scope of practice, allowing them to perform various procedures and prescribe medications. The demand for eye care is driven by the state's unique demographic needs, geographic isolation, and the overall health focus of its residents. Currently, there are 50 employed optometrists in Alaska. The job market for optometrists is projected to grow at an annual rate of 2.96%. This growth indicates a stable market outlook, signaling ongoing opportunities for those pursuing a career in this field. Other cities with strong salaries include Fairbanks at $147,973 and Juneau at $147,487, making Alaska a favorable location for optometry professionals seeking competitive compensation.
Alaska Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Alaska: $80,504 (lowest entry-level) to $213,672 (highest top earner)
Alaska vs National Average
Alaska optometrists earn 14.13% more than the national median (+$19,867/year difference).
Alaska Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Alaska range from $82,051 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $206,963 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $160,479. The Alaska median is $19,867 above the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $77.15/hr. Approximately 50 optometrists are employed across 5 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$131,533
2025 BLS Actual
$155,865
2026 Current Est.
$160,479
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Alaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,533 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $214,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,010 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,904 | Actual |
| 2025 | $155,865 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $160,479 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $165,229 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alaska metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $131,533 (2019) to $155,865 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $165,229 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,696 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alaska 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Alaska
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Alaska
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Alaska cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | $171,943 | 105.42 | $163,103 |
| Fairbanks | $147,973 | 106.1 | $139,466 |
| Juneau | $147,487 | 106.1 | $139,008 |
| Wasilla | $137,922 | 106.1 | $129,992 |
| Sitka | $137,833 | 106.1 | $129,909 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Alaska
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $82,051 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $160,479 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $206,963 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Alaska metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 5 Cities in Alaska
More Alaska Salary Data
Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Alaska in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Alaska?
How does Alaska optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Alaska?
How many optometrists are employed in Alaska?
Which Alaska city offers the best value for optometrists?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 optometrist compensation across Alaska. State averages are employment-weighted across 5 metro areas — larger metro areas with more optometristscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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