Optometrist Salary in Gilbert, AZ: $142,013 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Gilbert, AZ earns a median $142,013/year (≈ $68.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Gilbert's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $144,176 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gilbert, Arizona, the projected median annual salary for optometrists in 2026 is set at $142,013, a figure that reflects both local economic conditions and the broader national context. Notably, this salary range spans from $82,367 at the 10th percentile to as much as $220,120 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the income variability influenced by factors such as experience, specialization, and practice setting. As the scope of practice in many states, including Arizona, includes glaucoma management and the prescription of oral medications, such considerations significantly impact compensation levels. These figures come from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and reflect adjustments for regional price parity, suggesting a solid outlook for optometrists in Gilbert as the job market adjusts to evolving healthcare demands.
About the Gilbert Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,367 | $39.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,773 | $54.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $142,013 | $68.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $178,225 | $85.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $220,120 | $105.82 |
Median Salary Position
1.00% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gilbert
In Gilbert, AZ, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $137,753 (2026 est.). At $142,013, the local median is 1% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gilbert: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gilbert Optometrist Pay Compares
Gilbert median: $142,013/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gilbert Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $138,549 | +2.50% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +1.00% more |
Optometrists in Gilbert, AZ earn a median of $142,013 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.00% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.50% above the Arizona state average of $138,549.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gilbert 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.
Gilbert, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $142,013 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $144,176 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,398
2025 BLS Actual
$137,930
2026 Current Est.
$142,013
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Gilbert (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,398 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,226 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,538 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,841 | Actual |
| 2023 | $133,173 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,345 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,013 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,216 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gilbert metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $116,398 (2019) to $137,930 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,216 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,818 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gilbert 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) | $82,367 – $113,773 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,773 – $142,013 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $142,013 – $178,225 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $178,225 – $220,120 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Gilbert
The optometry job market in Gilbert is supported by the employment of 49 optometrists, indicating a relatively stable local demand for eye care professionals. With a cost-of-living index at 98.5, residents benefit from slightly lower living expenses compared to the national average, enhancing their purchasing power. Employers in the area, such as independent practices, retail optical chains, and regional healthcare providers, generally offer varied salaries, with private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups often providing higher compensation. The spread in earnings among optometrists can be attributed to several factors, including the ownership model of practices, residency training, and collaborative frameworks with ophthalmologists. Those looking to maximize their optometrist pay in Gilbert should consider pursuing advanced training or aligning with groups that offer equity stakes and additional revenue opportunities, particularly in environments that emphasize surgical referrals and comprehensive care services.
More salary data for Gilbert, 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 $137,930 for optometristsin the Gilbert 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 Gilbert 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