Optometrist Salary in Montana: $132,189 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Montana's 7 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $132,189/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Montana sits at BEA RPP 96.2 (4% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $137,411 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Billings ($133,119), Great Falls ($128,755), Bozeman ($127,037).
For those considering a career as an optometrist in Montana, the 2026 average median salary is projected to be $132,188, which is 6.0% lower than the national median of $140,612. Salary variations exist across the state, with Billings offering the highest average at $137,059, while Kalispell provides the lowest at $126,920, highlighting a salary gap of $10,139. Factors influencing these differences include the cost of living in urban versus rural areas, as well as demand for eye care services in metropolitan regions. Montana’s licensing requirements for optometrists ensure a standard level of care, but it’s essential to keep abreast of state-specific laws regarding the scope of practice, which can influence job functions and responsibilities. The state's demand for eye care professionals is supported by an anticipated annual growth rate of 2.96%, indicating a steady increase in job opportunities for optometrists in the coming years. With 86 optometrists currently employed, cities like Great Falls, Bozeman, Missoula, and Butte also present opportunities, with salaries ranging from $129,176 to $132,566. Overall, the job market for optometrists in Montana is expected to grow steadily, making it a viable choice for prospective health care professionals.
Montana Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Montana: $73,613 (lowest entry-level) to $202,209 (highest top earner)
Montana vs National Average
Montana optometrists earn 5.99% less than the national median ($-8,423/year difference).
Montana Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Montana range from $76,745 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $195,982 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $132,189. The Montana median is $8,423 below the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $63.55/hr. Approximately 86 optometrists are employed across 7 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$76,920
2025 BLS Actual
$128,388
2026 Current Est.
$132,189
2019–2027 Growth
+76.9%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Montana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,920 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,680 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,880 | Actual |
| 2024 | $115,848 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,388 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,189 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,101 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montana metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 66.9% from $76,920 (2019) to $128,388 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,101 by 2027 — a total increase of $59,181 (76.94%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montana 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 Montana
Lowest Paying Cities in Montana
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Montana
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Montana cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | $137,059 | 96.2 | $142,473 |
| Great Falls | $132,566 | 96.2 | $137,802 |
| Bozeman | $130,797 | 96.2 | $135,964 |
| Missoula | $129,987 | 96.2 | $135,122 |
| Butte | $129,176 | 96.2 | $134,279 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Montana
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $76,745 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $132,189 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $195,982 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Montana metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 7 Cities in Montana
More Montana Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced optometrists.
Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Montana in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Montana?
How does Montana optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Montana?
How many optometrists are employed in Montana?
Which Montana 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 Montana. State averages are employment-weighted across 7 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