Optometrist Salary in Wasilla, AK: $137,922 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Wasilla, AK earns a median $137,922/year (≈ $66.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Wasilla's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 106.1), that paycheck buys what $129,992 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Alaska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Wasilla, Alaska, can anticipate a median annual salary of $137,922, which aligns closely with the national median of $140,612, indicating a slight local market adjustment. The salary range for these eye care professionals extends from $82,813 at the 10th percentile to around $190,696 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the income diversity within the field. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect local economic conditions influenced by practice ownership structures. Many optometrists may choose to establish private practices, while others may pursue employment with retail optical chains or group practices; each option carries its own financial implications and potential for growth in the Wasilla market.
About the Wasilla Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,813 | $39.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,613 | $53.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,922 | $66.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $161,810 | $77.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $190,696 | $91.69 |
Median Salary Position
1.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wasilla
In Wasilla, AK, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,883 (2026 est.). At $137,922, the local median is 1.91% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wasilla: You'd be above the median
How Wasilla Optometrist Pay Compares
Wasilla median: $137,922/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wasilla Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Average | $149,266 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -1.91% less |
Optometrists in Wasilla, AK earn a median of $137,922 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.91% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.60% below the Alaska state average of $149,266.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wasilla has a cost of living 6.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wasilla, AK has a cost-of-living index of 106.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,922 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $129,992 — a 5.75% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,045
2025 BLS Actual
$133,957
2026 Current Est.
$137,922
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Wasilla (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,045 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,791 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,922 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,187 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,337 | Actual |
| 2024 | $142,225 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,957 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,922 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,005 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wasilla metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $113,045 (2019) to $133,957 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,005 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,960 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wasilla 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $82,813 – $111,613 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,613 – $137,922 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,922 – $161,810 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $161,810 – $190,696 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Wasilla
With just four optometrists currently practicing in Wasilla, the local job market is relatively tight, which could influence competitive pay. The cost of living index is at 106.1, slightly above the national average, affecting purchasing power for optometrists in the area. Salaries can vary significantly based on the type of practice; private optometry practices often offer higher compensation compared to retail chains like Walmart Vision or LensCrafters, particularly for those with residency training in ocular disease or those working alongside ophthalmologists in an OD/MD model. Factors contributing to income disparities in Wasilla include equity from practice ownership, varying employment agreements, and the expansion of services into areas like glaucoma management. Optometrists aiming to maximize their earnings may benefit from pursuing additional training, joining multidisciplinary settings, or strategically considering employment with practices that offer profit-sharing models or are less influenced by corporate ownership pressures.
More salary data for Wasilla, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Wasilla, AK in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Wasilla?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $133,957 for optometristsin the Wasilla metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wasilla 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