Optometrist Salary in Chandler, AZ: $120,228 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Chandler, AZ earns a median $120,228/year (≈ $57.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Chandler's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $122,059 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.2% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Chandler, Arizona, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $120,228, which reflects a significant difference compared to the national median of $140,612. The local salary range spans from $69,733 at the 10th percentile to $183,686 at the 90th percentile, indicative of the varied pay structures in this market. Employment dynamics in Chandler are influenced by whether optometrists choose to establish their own practices, work as associates, or join retail chains. These structural decisions can greatly impact earnings potential, illustrating how practice ownership or alignment with specific healthcare models leads to unique financial outcomes for eye care professionals in the area.
About the Chandler Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,733 | $33.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,896 | $43.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $120,228 | $57.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $148,000 | $71.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $183,686 | $88.31 |
Median Salary Position
14.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chandler
In Chandler, AZ, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $113,953 (2026 est.). At $120,228, the local median is 14.5% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chandler: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chandler Optometrist Pay Compares
Chandler median: $120,228/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chandler Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $138,512 | -13.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -14.50% less |
Optometrists in Chandler, AZ earn a median of $120,228 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.50% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 13.20% below the Arizona state average of $138,512.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chandler 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.
Chandler, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $120,228 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $122,059 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,543
2025 BLS Actual
$116,772
2026 Current Est.
$120,228
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Chandler (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,543 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,937 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,281 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,384 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,745 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,923 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,772 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,228 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $123,787 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chandler metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $98,543 (2019) to $116,772 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $123,787 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,244 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chandler 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) | $69,733 – $90,896 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,896 – $120,228 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $120,228 – $148,000 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $148,000 – $183,686 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Chandler
With 49 optometrists currently employed in Chandler, the job market reveals both opportunities and challenges. The cost-of-living index for the region stands at 98.5, suggesting a slightly lower housing and lifestyle expense compared to the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of local salaries. Notably, practice ownership generally allows for higher compensation, especially when combined with residency training that targets ocular disease or VA pathways, while retail optical chains tend to offer more stable but often lower pay structures. Additionally, the differential between salaries at private practices and larger healthcare systems is influenced by the shared referral income in the OD/MD model. To maximize pay in Chandler, optometrists should consider pursuing specialized residencies and remaining adaptable to ongoing changes in the optometric field, as integrating advanced practices can provide competitive edges.
More salary data for Chandler, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Chandler?
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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 $116,772 for optometristsin the Chandler 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 Chandler 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