Optometrist Salary in Arvada, CO: $151,178 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Arvada, CO earns a median $151,178/year (≈ $72.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Arvada's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $143,979 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arvada, Colorado, the projected salary for optometrists in 2026 reaches a median of $151,178, which is approximately 7.51% higher than the national median of $140,612 for the same year. The salary range for optometrists in the area spans from $87,684 at the 10th percentile to $221,238 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust earning potential that can vary significantly depending on factors like practice ownership and employment models. As optometry practices adapt to market demands, many ODs find themselves choosing between private practice ownership, employed associate positions, and retail chain opportunities. Each of these structural choices can dramatically influence earning potential and job satisfaction in the ever-evolving landscape of eye care in Arvada.
About the Arvada Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,684 | $42.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $122,891 | $59.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $151,178 | $72.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $181,090 | $87.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $221,238 | $106.37 |
Median Salary Position
7.51% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arvada
In Arvada, CO, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,554 (2026 est.). At $151,178, the local median is 7.51% above the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Arvada: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Arvada Optometrist Pay Compares
Arvada median: $151,178/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arvada Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $147,635 | +2.40% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +7.51% more |
Optometrists in Arvada, CO earn a median of $151,178 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.51% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.40% above the Colorado state average of $147,635.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arvada has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arvada, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $151,178 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $143,979 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,910
2025 BLS Actual
$146,832
2026 Current Est.
$151,178
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Arvada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,910 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,920 | Actual |
| 2021 | $133,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,027 | Actual |
| 2023 | $141,768 | Actual |
| 2024 | $150,519 | Actual |
| 2025 | $146,832 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $151,178 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,653 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arvada metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $123,910 (2019) to $146,832 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,653 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,743 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arvada 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) | $87,684 – $122,891 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $122,891 – $151,178 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $151,178 – $181,090 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $181,090 – $221,238 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Arvada
Looking at the local job market, there are currently 31 optometrists employed in Arvada, which underscores the demand for vision care professionals in the area. The cost of living index, set at 105, indicates that while living expenses are slightly above the national average, this does not overshadow the comparatively competitive salaries in the field. Among the different employers, private optometry practices generally offer better compensation compared to retail chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision, often providing more lucrative arrangements for those engaging in specialty areas such as ocular disease. Factors affecting pay disparities include practice ownership equity and the OD/MD collaborative model, which can yield additional income through surgical referrals. Aspiring optometrists in Arvada should consider pursuing residency training or aligning themselves with practices that emphasize advanced care options, as these paths typically lead to higher earning possibilities in this dynamic market.
More salary data for Arvada, CO:
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 $146,832 for optometristsin the Arvada 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 Arvada 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