Optometrist Salary in Littleton, CO: $140,264 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Littleton, CO earns a median $140,264/year (≈ $67.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Littleton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $133,585 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Littleton, Colorado, optometrists can anticipate a median annual salary of $140,264 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $140,612. The local salary range reflects significant variation, with a lower estimate of $81,354 (P10) and the potential for up to $204,065 (P90). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, taking into account regional price adjustments to present an accurate picture of optometrist pay in Littleton. The increasing scope of practice, including glaucoma management, oral medications, and select laser procedures, contributes to a competitive salary environment, offering opportunities for specialization that can further enhance earnings in this Colorado market.
About the Littleton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,354 | $39.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,159 | $54.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,264 | $67.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,670 | $81.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $204,065 | $98.11 |
Median Salary Position
0.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Littleton
In Littleton, CO, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,711 (2026 est.). At $140,264, the local median is 0.25% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Littleton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Littleton Optometrist Pay Compares
Littleton median: $140,264/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Littleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $147,647 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -0.25% less |
Optometrists in Littleton, CO earn a median of $140,264 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.25% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.00% below the Colorado state average of $147,647.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Littleton has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Littleton, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $140,264 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $133,585 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,965
2025 BLS Actual
$136,232
2026 Current Est.
$140,264
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Littleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,965 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,758 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,992 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,279 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,534 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,653 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,232 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,264 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,416 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Littleton metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $114,965 (2019) to $136,232 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,416 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,451 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Littleton 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) | $81,354 – $114,159 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,159 – $140,264 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,264 – $169,670 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,670 – $204,065 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Littleton
With only seven optometrists currently employed in Littleton, the job market remains relatively small, presenting unique opportunities for practitioners. This area's cost-of-living index stands at 105, indicating a slightly higher than average living expense compared to the national baseline. Consequently, while the optometrist salary in Littleton may seem attractive, potential take-home earnings must be evaluated in the context of local living costs. Private optometry practices and some ophthalmology settings are known to offer the highest compensation, particularly for those with residency training and specialized skills, like ocular disease management. Practitioners looking to maximize their pay should consider ownership opportunities, as well as employment with private equity-backed practices, which often offer different compensation packages. Overall, aligning skills with the needs of the local market, while considering practice dynamics, is essential for optimizing income potential in Littleton, CO.
More salary data for Littleton, 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 $136,232 for optometristsin the Littleton 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 Littleton 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