Optometrist Salary in Post Falls, ID: $128,803 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Post Falls, ID earns a median $128,803/year (≈ $61.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Post Falls's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $135,155 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Post Falls, Idaho, can expect a median annual salary of $128,803, which is slightly below the national average of $140,612. The salary range varies significantly across the profession, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $76,663 and experienced practitioners earning as much as $186,030. These figures reflect estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities to account for the local cost of living. The local job market, while modest with only nine optometrists employed, is enhanced by the growing demand for surgical co-management models, which can significantly contribute to overall compensation, making the field appealing for both new graduates and seasoned professionals looking to establish a robust client base.
About the Post Falls Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,663 | $36.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,639 | $51.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,803 | $61.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,752 | $72.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $186,030 | $89.44 |
Median Salary Position
8.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Post Falls
In Post Falls, ID, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,367 (2026 est.). At $128,803, the local median is 8.4% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Post Falls: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Post Falls Optometrist Pay Compares
Post Falls median: $128,803/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Post Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $134,030 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -8.40% less |
Optometrists in Post Falls, ID earn a median of $128,803 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.40% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.90% below the Idaho state average of $134,030.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Post Falls has a cost of living 4.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Post Falls, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $128,803 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,155 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$105,571
2025 BLS Actual
$125,100
2026 Current Est.
$128,803
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Post Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,571 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,135 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,861 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,042 | Actual |
| 2023 | $120,786 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,082 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,100 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,803 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,616 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Post Falls metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $105,571 (2019) to $125,100 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $132,616 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,045 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Post Falls 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) | $76,663 – $106,639 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,639 – $128,803 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,803 – $149,752 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,752 – $186,030 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Post Falls
Analyzing the economic context of optometrist compensation in Post Falls reveals a reality where the cost of living index stands at 95.3, suggesting a slightly lower-than-average expense for residents. This situation can positively impact the purchasing power of salaries received in the area. Among local employers, private optometry practices, especially those adopting the OD/MD model, tend to offer competitive pay due to the shared revenue from surgical referrals. The disparity in salaries largely stems from factors like practice ownership, experience with residency training in ocular disease, and the evolving terms of employment as private practices shift towards private equity ownership. For those looking to maximize their pay, focusing on enhancing clinical skills, seeking opportunities in high-paying sectors, or pursuing residency training can provide a significant advantage in the Post Falls market.
More salary data for Post Falls, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Post Falls, ID in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Post Falls?
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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 $125,100 for optometristsin the Post Falls 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 Post Falls 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