Optometrist Salary in Colorado: $155,502 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Colorado's 32 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $155,502/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Colorado sits at BEA RPP 105.0 (5% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $148,097 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Fort Collins ($163,240), Centennial ($159,578), Loveland ($159,329).
In 2026, the average median salary for optometrists in Colorado is projected to be $155,502, which is 10.6% higher than the national median of $140,612. The salary range varies significantly across different cities; the highest paying city is Fort Collins at $168,072, while Colorado Springs offers the lowest salary at $135,887, demonstrating a gap of $32,185. This disparity can be attributed to factors such as cost of living, patient demographics, and the concentration of healthcare facilities within these areas. Colorado's licensing requirements and scope of practice laws facilitate a favorable environment for optometrists, contributing to a steady demand for eye care services. The total number of employed optometrists in the state is projected at 1,121, with an annual growth rate of 2.96%, indicating a healthy job market. The top cities for optometrists in 2026 include Fort Collins, Centennial at $164,302, Loveland at $164,045, Denver at $162,811, and Aurora at $159,235. These cities reflect the demand and compensation trends in Colorado's optometry landscape, making it an appealing state for professionals in this field.
Colorado Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Colorado: $66,595 (lowest entry-level) to $329,832 (highest top earner)
Colorado vs National Average
Colorado optometrists earn 10.59% more than the national median (+$14,890/year difference).
Colorado Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Colorado range from $84,468 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $227,772 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $155,502. The Colorado median is $14,890 above the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $74.76/hr. Approximately 1,121 optometrists are employed across 32 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$114,688
2025 BLS Actual
$151,031
2026 Current Est.
$155,502
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Colorado (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,688 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,947 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,706 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,978 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,546 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,031 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,502 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,105 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Colorado metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 31.7% from $114,688 (2019) to $151,031 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $160,105 by 2027 — a total increase of $45,417 (39.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Colorado
Lowest Paying Cities in Colorado
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Colorado Springs | $135,887 |
| Golden | $135,893 |
| Evans | $136,736 |
| Louisville | $137,536 |
| Durango | $138,346 |
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Colorado
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Colorado cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Collins | $168,072 | 101.128 | $166,197 |
| Centennial | $164,302 | 105 | $156,478 |
| Loveland | $164,045 | 105 | $156,233 |
| Denver | $162,811 | 105.782 | $153,912 |
| Aurora | $159,235 | 105 | $151,652 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $84,468 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $155,502 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $227,772 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Colorado metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 32 Cities in Colorado
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort Collins | $168,072 |
| 2 | Centennial | $164,302 |
| 3 | Loveland | $164,045 |
| 4 | Denver | $162,811 |
| 5 | Aurora | $159,235 |
| 6 | Boulder | $158,044 |
| 7 | Arvada | $151,178 |
| 8 | Thornton | $149,961 |
| 9 | Westminster | $148,470 |
| 10 | Pueblo | $148,458 |
| 11 | Lakewood | $147,754 |
| 12 | Greeley | $146,549 |
| 13 | Parker | $146,348 |
| 14 | Erie | $146,085 |
| 15 | Windsor | $145,717 |
| 16 | Castle Rock | $145,436 |
| 17 | Broomfield | $145,390 |
| 18 | Longmont | $145,342 |
| 19 | Englewood | $144,228 |
| 20 | Commerce City | $143,227 |
| 21 | Lafayette | $142,888 |
| 22 | Wheat Ridge | $142,063 |
| 23 | Brighton | $140,734 |
| 24 | Littleton | $140,264 |
| 25 | Fountain | $140,184 |
| 26 | Northglenn | $140,046 |
| 27 | Steamboat Springs | $139,224 |
| 28 | Durango | $138,346 |
| 29 | Louisville | $137,536 |
| 30 | Evans | $136,736 |
| 31 | Golden | $135,893 |
| 32 | Colorado Springs | $135,887 |
More Colorado Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced optometrists.
Compare Cities in Colorado
View all comparisons →Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Colorado in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Colorado?
How does Colorado optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Colorado?
How many optometrists are employed in Colorado?
Which Colorado city offers the best value for optometrists?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 optometrist compensation across Colorado. State averages are employment-weighted across 32 metro areas — larger metro areas with more optometristscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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