Optometrist Salary in Buckeye, AZ: $136,125 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Buckeye, AZ earns a median $136,125/year (≈ $65.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Buckeye's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $138,198 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Buckeye, Arizona, can expect a median annual salary of $136,125, reflecting the state's expanded scope of practice that includes the management of glaucoma and the prescription of oral medications. This median falls slightly below the national average of $140,612, showcasing a competitive yet accessible job market. The salary spectrum for optometrists in this area ranges from $78,991 at the 10th percentile to $203,188 at the 90th percentile, suggesting that while entry-level positions may be lower, experienced optometrists can command significantly higher wages. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, providing a realistic overview of what professionals in Buckeye can anticipate.
About the Buckeye Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,991 | $37.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,298 | $53.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,125 | $65.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,995 | $77.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $203,188 | $97.69 |
Median Salary Position
3.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buckeye
In Buckeye, AZ, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $124,197 (2026 est.). At $136,125, the local median is 3.19% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Buckeye: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Buckeye Optometrist Pay Compares
Buckeye median: $136,125/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buckeye Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $138,480 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -3.19% less |
Optometrists in Buckeye, AZ earn a median of $136,125 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.19% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.70% below the Arizona state average of $138,480.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buckeye 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.
Buckeye, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $136,125 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,198 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$111,572
2025 BLS Actual
$132,212
2026 Current Est.
$136,125
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Buckeye (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,572 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,283 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,334 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,582 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,652 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,692 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,212 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,125 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,155 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buckeye metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $111,572 (2019) to $132,212 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,155 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,583 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buckeye 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) | $78,991 – $111,298 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,298 – $136,125 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,125 – $160,995 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,995 – $203,188 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Buckeye
The local job market for optometrists in Buckeye is relatively stable, with 19 currently employed in the field. The cost of living index stands at 98.5, indicating that the expenses in Buckeye are slightly below the national average, which can positively impact the take-home purchasing power for those in the profession. Employers in private optometry practices typically offer the highest remuneration, followed closely by ophthalmology practices that function within an OD/MD model, benefiting from shared revenue through surgical referrals. Factors contributing to wage disparities include the differing business models and the potential for ownership equity in private practices, which may not be available in retail optical chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision. For those keen on maximizing their optometrist pay in Buckeye, pursuing residency training or gaining experience in advanced ocular disease management can enhance employment prospects and command higher salaries over time.
More salary data for Buckeye, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Buckeye?
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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 $132,212 for optometristsin the Buckeye 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 Buckeye 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