Optometrist Salary in Oro Valley, AZ: $131,290 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Oro Valley, AZ earns a median $131,290/year (≈ $63.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Oro Valley's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $133,289 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oro Valley, Arizona, the projected median optometrist salary in 2026 is set at $131,290, providing a competitive compensation framework that reflects both local conditions and nationwide trends. With a notable salary range from $76,148 at the 10th percentile to $185,732 at the 90th percentile, optometrists here can find varying opportunities based on practice structure. Employed positions, ownership models, and retail chains, such as those under the LensCrafters and Walmart Vision banners, impact salary trajectories considerably. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data indicate a landscape where practice ownership or association with dynamic models involving ophthalmology can yield higher earnings, potentially exceeding the national median of $140,612 by strategic choice and specialized training.
About the Oro Valley Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,148 | $36.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,592 | $49.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $131,290 | $63.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $155,499 | $74.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $185,732 | $89.30 |
Median Salary Position
6.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oro Valley
In Oro Valley, AZ, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,584 (2026 est.). At $131,290, the local median is 6.63% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oro Valley: You'd be above the median
How Oro Valley Optometrist Pay Compares
Oro Valley median: $131,290/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oro Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $138,492 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -6.63% less |
Optometrists in Oro Valley, AZ earn a median of $131,290 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.63% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.20% below the Arizona state average of $138,492.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oro Valley 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.
Oro Valley, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $131,290 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $133,289 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$107,609
2025 BLS Actual
$127,516
2026 Current Est.
$131,290
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Oro Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,609 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,224 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,059 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,264 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,118 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,050 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,516 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,290 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,177 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oro Valley metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $107,609 (2019) to $127,516 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,177 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,568 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oro Valley 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) | $76,148 – $103,592 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,592 – $131,290 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $131,290 – $155,499 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $155,499 – $185,732 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Oro Valley
The local job market for optometrists is relatively limited, with only seven professionals currently employed in Oro Valley. This smaller pool can influence salary dynamics, particularly when considering the cost of living index which stands at 98.5—indicating that living expenses are slightly below the national average. Employers in the area that tend to offer higher compensation often include private optometry practices, especially those with enhanced service offerings like ocular disease treatment and partnership models with ophthalmologists. Factors that create variance in pay among local optometrists include residency training, involvement in the OD/MD model, and specific post-acquisition employment agreements that may dictate terms for newly-owned practices. For those navigating this market, strategic decisions such as pursuing specialization, considering practice ownership, or aligning with a robust ophthalmological partnership can significantly enhance their earning potential in Oro Valley, AZ.
More salary data for Oro Valley, 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 $127,516 for optometristsin the Oro Valley 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 Oro Valley 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