Optometrist Salary in Maricopa, AZ: $140,392 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Maricopa, AZ earns a median $140,392/year (≈ $67.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Maricopa's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $142,530 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Maricopa is projected to reach a median annual compensation of $140,392, closely mirroring the national average of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists here spans from $81,427 at the 10th percentile to $203,896 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential within the profession. These earnings, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect local adjustments for cost of living, which in Maricopa is slightly below the national average at a CoL index of 98.5. As optic professionals consider their future in this Arizona city, understanding the dynamics that contribute to optometrist pay in Maricopa AZ is crucial, particularly in a market influenced by the co-management revenues in the OD/MD model.
About the Maricopa Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,427 | $39.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,606 | $53.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,392 | $67.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $168,319 | $80.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $203,896 | $98.03 |
Median Salary Position
0.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Maricopa
In Maricopa, AZ, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,469 (2026 est.). At $140,392, the local median is 0.16% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Maricopa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Maricopa Optometrist Pay Compares
Maricopa median: $140,392/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Maricopa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $138,454 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -0.16% less |
Optometrists in Maricopa, AZ earn a median of $140,392 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.16% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% above the Arizona state average of $138,454.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Maricopa 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.
Maricopa, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $140,392 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $142,530 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,069
2025 BLS Actual
$136,356
2026 Current Est.
$140,392
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Maricopa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,069 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,865 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,105 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,393 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,653 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,789 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,356 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,392 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,548 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Maricopa metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $115,069 (2019) to $136,356 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,548 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,479 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maricopa 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) | $81,427 – $111,606 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,606 – $140,392 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,392 – $168,319 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $168,319 – $203,896 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Maricopa
The optometry job market in Maricopa employs ten optometrists, providing a solid foundation for new professionals entering the field. The relatively affordable cost of living enhances purchasing power, making a career in this area attractive. Among various employers, ophthalmology practices that utilize the OD/MD model tend to offer higher salaries due to shared surgical revenue. In contrast, retail optical chains may present lower wage options. Variations in income can also stem from practice ownership stakes, Ocular disease residency training, and the shift from independent to private equity-owned practices, which often restructure compensation packages. To maximize earnings, optometrists can pursue opportunities in surgical co-management, consider residency training to diversify their skills, and explore practice ownership which might provide significant financial rewards compared to traditional employment in retail settings.
More salary data for Maricopa, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Maricopa, AZ in 2026?
Is Maricopa, AZ a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Maricopa?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Maricopa?
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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 $136,356 for optometristsin the Maricopa 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 Maricopa 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