Optometrist Salary in Elko, NV: $129,331 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Elko, NV earns a median $129,331/year (≈ $62.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Elko's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.3), that paycheck buys what $131,568 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% below the Nevada state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Elko, NV, can expect a 2026 median annual salary of $129,331, which reflects local practice structures that range from ownership models to employed associate positions. With the salary spectrum spanning from $79,857 to $174,383, these figures have been adjusted based on regional price levels and local demand trends. Such variations in compensation often arise from whether practitioners are involved in private practice, retail chains, or integrated healthcare systems. The current layout of the job market indicates a robust environment, albeit slightly below the national median optometrist salary, which stands at $140,612.
About the Elko Market
Salary estimated from Nevada average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,857 | $38.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,489 | $52.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,331 | $62.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $148,697 | $71.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $174,383 | $83.84 |
Median Salary Position
8.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elko
In Elko, NV, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $94,526 (2026 est.). At $129,331, the local median is 8.02% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elko: You'd be above the median
How Elko Optometrist Pay Compares
Elko median: $129,331/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elko Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Average | $138,174 | -6.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -8.02% less |
Optometrists in Elko, NV earn a median of $129,331 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.02% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.40% below the Nevada state average of $138,174.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elko has a cost of living 1.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elko, NV has a cost-of-living index of 98.3 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $129,331 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $131,568 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.73% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,004
2025 BLS Actual
$125,613
2026 Current Est.
$129,331
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Elko (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,004 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,579 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,327 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,514 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,281 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,169 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,613 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,331 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,159 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elko metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $106,004 (2019) to $125,613 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,159 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,155 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elko 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) | $79,857 – $109,489 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,489 – $129,331 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,331 – $148,697 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $148,697 – $174,383 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Elko
The local job market for optometrists displays a limited scope, with only four professionals currently employed in the area. With a cost of living index at 98.3, Elko offers a relatively affordable environment compared to national averages, thus enhancing purchasing power for optometrists regarding expenses such as housing and daily needs. Among various employers, local private practices often provide competitive pay structures that align more closely with experience and service offerings, especially for those with residency training or an established clientele. In contrast, retail optical chains may offer more predictable, albeit lower, salaries. Several factors contribute to income disparities, including current market conditions and whether the optometrist collaborates with ophthalmology practices. Aspiring optometrists can maximize their earnings by considering solo practice ownership, pursuing residency programs, or aligning with integrated healthcare settings that could enhance revenue opportunities through diverse service lines.
More salary data for Elko, NV:
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 $125,613 for optometristsin the Elko 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 Elko 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