Optometrist Salary in Phoenix, AZ: $119,392 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Phoenix, AZ earns a median $119,392/year (≈ $57.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Phoenix's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.3), that paycheck buys what $115,560 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.8% below the Arizona state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the compensation for optometrists in Phoenix, AZ, is expected to reach a median annual salary of $119,392, which reflects the local market dynamics and the growing importance of the OD/MD model in revenue generation. The salary range extends from $102,517 at the 10th percentile to $177,256 at the 90th percentile, providing a diverse set of earning potentials within the profession. This information is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and highlights that the area's compensation trails the national median of $140,612 by approximately 15.09%. With a robust local demand for optometric services, this region presents a significant opportunity for growth in both patient care and revenue.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,517 | $49.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,304 | $52.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $119,392 | $57.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $171,490 | $82.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $177,256 | $85.22 |
Median Salary Position
15.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Phoenix
In Phoenix, AZ, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $74,739 (2026 est.). At $119,392, the local median is 15.09% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Phoenix: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Phoenix Optometrist Pay Compares
Phoenix median: $119,392/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Phoenix Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $138,506 | -13.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -15.09% less |
Optometrists in Phoenix, AZ earn a median of $119,392 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.09% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 13.80% below the Arizona state average of $138,506.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Phoenix has a cost of living 3.32% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Phoenix, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 103.316 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $119,392 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $115,560 — a 3.21% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,010
2025 BLS Actual
$115,960
2026 Current Est.
$119,392
2019–2027 Growth
+3.3%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Phoenix (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,680 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $114,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $134,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,392 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,926 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Phoenix metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew -2.6% from $119,010 (2019) to $115,960 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $122,926 by 2027 — a total increase of $3,916 (3.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Phoenix 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) | $102,517 – $108,304 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,304 – $119,392 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $119,392 – $171,490 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $171,490 – $177,256 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Phoenix
The job market for optometrists in Phoenix is relatively strong, with approximately 860 professionals currently employed in the area. Coupled with a cost of living index of 103.316—slightly above the national average—optometrists need to understand how their salaries translate into purchasing power locally. Generally, private practices, especially those incorporating the OD/MD model, tend to offer the highest compensation, as these setups enable optometrists to share in the lucrative surgical co-management revenue. Additionally, those who have completed residency training in ocular disease or obtained specialized certifications may further enhance their earning potential. In contrast, many retail optical chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks typically offer lower starting salaries due to the standardized nature of their operations. To maximize pay in Phoenix, practitioners should consider pursuing advanced training, leveraging ownership opportunities, and aligning with providers that offer lucrative revenue-sharing arrangements.
More salary data for Phoenix, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Phoenix, AZ in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Phoenix?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Phoenix?
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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 $115,960 for optometristsin the Phoenix 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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