Optometrist Salary in Helena, MT: $127,288 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Helena, MT earns a median $127,288/year (≈ $61.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Helena's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $132,316 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected optometrist salary in Helena, Montana, is set at $127,288, reflecting a competitive local compensation for this healthcare profession, albeit slightly lower than the national median of $140,612. With a salary range spanning from $74,451 at the P10 percentile to $182,934 at the P90 percentile, these figures are derived from the latest BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments. The employment landscape for optometrists in Helena is shaped by the state's expanded scope of practice, which now includes treatments for glaucoma, the ability to prescribe oral medications, and perform certain laser procedures. This advancement not only increases potential compensation but also offers a diverse setting for practitioners, contributing to Helena's attractiveness for optometrists looking to establish their careers.
About the Helena Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,451 | $35.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,814 | $50.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,288 | $61.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,960 | $74.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $182,934 | $87.95 |
Median Salary Position
9.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Helena
In Helena, MT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,483 (2026 est.). At $127,288, the local median is 9.48% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Helena: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Helena Optometrist Pay Compares
Helena median: $127,288/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Helena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $132,869 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -9.48% less |
Optometrists in Helena, MT earn a median of $127,288 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.48% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.20% below the Montana state average of $132,869.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Helena has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Helena, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $127,288 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $132,316 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,329
2025 BLS Actual
$123,629
2026 Current Est.
$127,288
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Helena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,329 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,864 | Actual |
| 2021 | $112,522 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,689 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,365 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,918 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,629 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,288 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,056 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Helena metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $104,329 (2019) to $123,629 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,056 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,727 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Helena 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) | $74,451 – $104,814 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,814 – $127,288 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,288 – $154,960 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,960 – $182,934 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Helena
The local job market consists of only seven optometrists employed in Helena, indicating a relatively small yet specialized community. This context, coupled with a cost of living index of 96.2—which is below the national average—means that the take-home pay for practitioners can stretch further than in many other markets. Employers in Helena include private optometry practices, retail chains, ophthalmology groups, and even VA medical centers. Each has differing compensation structures; for example, those affiliated with ophthalmology practices may benefit from additional revenue streams through surgical referrals. Variability in salaries often results from factors like practice ownership equity, employment models, and residency training related to ocular diseases. For those considering how much do optometrists make in Helena, strategies to maximize pay would include seeking positions that offer profit-sharing arrangements or gaining residency experience, ensuring a competitive edge in this evolving field.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
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 $123,629 for optometristsin the Helena 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 Helena 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