Optometrist Salary in Apache Junction, AZ: $133,536 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Apache Junction, AZ earns a median $133,536/year (≈ $64.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Apache Junction's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $135,570 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Apache Junction, Arizona is projected to reach a median of $133,536, slightly below the national median of $140,612. Salaries for optometrists in the area range from $79,585 at the 10th percentile to $185,427 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse earning potential based on factors such as practice ownership models, residency training, and the nature of the employing organization. The local estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost of living variations. With six optometrists currently practicing in Apache Junction, the job market is characterized by a mix of independent and retail chain practices, impacting salary levels and opportunities in the field.
About the Apache Junction Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,585 | $38.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,052 | $53.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,536 | $64.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $155,735 | $74.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $185,427 | $89.14 |
Median Salary Position
5.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apache Junction
In Apache Junction, AZ, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $105,842 (2026 est.). At $133,536, the local median is 5.03% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Apache Junction: You'd be above the median
How Apache Junction Optometrist Pay Compares
Apache Junction median: $133,536/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Apache Junction Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $138,523 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -5.03% less |
Optometrists in Apache Junction, AZ earn a median of $133,536 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.03% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.60% below the Arizona state average of $138,523.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Apache Junction has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Apache Junction, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $133,536 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,570 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,450
2025 BLS Actual
$129,697
2026 Current Est.
$133,536
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Apache Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,450 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,109 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,044 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,224 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,207 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,697 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,536 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,489 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apache Junction metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $109,450 (2019) to $129,697 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,489 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,039 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apache Junction 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) | $79,585 – $111,052 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,052 – $133,536 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,536 – $155,735 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $155,735 – $185,427 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Apache Junction
To understand the dynamics of optometrist pay in Apache Junction AZ, it's essential to consider the local job market's current strength and the cost of living index, which stands at 98.5, suggesting that take-home salaries can stretch further than in higher-cost areas. Among employers, private optometry practices generally offer higher compensation compared to retail chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision due to the revenue-sharing models from surgical referrals. Factors influencing the wide salary range include practice ownership equity and the specific contractual terms of employment in private equity-acquired practices. Optometrists looking to maximize their pay should consider additional training or specializing in areas such as glaucoma management or ocular disease, which can lead to higher remuneration, particularly in a market like Apache Junction where the right credentials can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Apache Junction, AZ:
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
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 $129,697 for optometristsin the Apache Junction 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 Apache Junction 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