Optometrist Salary in Loveland, CO: $164,045 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Loveland, CO earns a median $164,045/year (≈ $78.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Loveland's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $156,233 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.1% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Loveland, Colorado, can expect a median annual salary of $164,045, which is approximately 16.67% higher than the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in this area varies significantly, spanning from $95,146 at the 10th percentile to $238,957 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living considerations. The presence of the OD/MD model in Loveland, which enables optometrists to participate in surgical co-management and share in referral revenue, adds an additional layer of potential income. Therefore, the local job market is positioned favorably for optometrists looking to balance competitive compensation with a quality lifestyle.
About the Loveland Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,146 | $45.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $130,834 | $62.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $164,045 | $78.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $197,228 | $94.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $238,957 | $114.88 |
Median Salary Position
16.67% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Loveland
In Loveland, CO, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $143,811 (2026 est.). At $164,045, the local median is 16.67% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Loveland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Loveland Optometrist Pay Compares
Loveland median: $164,045/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Loveland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $147,655 | +11.10% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +16.67% more |
Optometrists in Loveland, CO earn a median of $164,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.67% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 11.10% above the Colorado state average of $147,655.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Loveland has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Loveland, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $164,045 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $156,233 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$134,456
2025 BLS Actual
$159,329
2026 Current Est.
$164,045
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Loveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $134,456 | Actual |
| 2020 | $137,723 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,014 | Actual |
| 2022 | $146,519 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,834 | Actual |
| 2024 | $142,043 | Actual |
| 2025 | $159,329 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $164,045 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $168,901 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Loveland metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $134,456 (2019) to $159,329 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $168,901 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,445 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Loveland 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) | $95,146 – $130,834 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $130,834 – $164,045 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $164,045 – $197,228 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $197,228 – $238,957 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Loveland
The job market for optometrists in Loveland is robust, with only 17 practicing professionals currently employed, suggesting strong demand for eye care services. The cost-of-living index in Loveland stands at 105, indicating that expenses are somewhat above the national average, which can influence take-home pay. Those seeking positions in higher-paying settings may find opportunities within ophthalmology practices that align with the OD/MD model, as well as private optometry groups that offer equity and revenue-sharing models. Factors contributing to the wage disparity include practice ownership, the level of residency training, and the specific employment arrangements under recently acquired private equity groups. Optometrists can maximize their compensation in this market by pursuing residency training, aligning with high-revenue practices, and considering diverse employer types, from military health systems to retail optical chains.
More salary data for Loveland, 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 $159,329 for optometristsin the Loveland 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 Loveland 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