Optometrist Salary in Santa Fe, NM: $134,023 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Santa Fe, NM earns a median $134,023/year (≈ $64.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Santa Fe's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $141,974 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Fe, NM, the optometrist salary in 2026 is projected to reach a median annual figure of $134,023, reflecting not only the local demand for eye care professionals but also the challenges and rewards associated with a broader scope of practice that includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and specific laser procedures. With a salary range from $77,734 at the 10th percentile to $198,806 at the 90th percentile, these figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local regional price parities. The city's unique environment and healthcare dynamics affect the competitive landscape for optometrists, making Santa Fe an intriguing market for both seasoned professionals and newcomers in the field.
About the Santa Fe Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,734 | $37.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,900 | $50.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,023 | $64.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,870 | $78.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $198,806 | $95.58 |
Median Salary Position
4.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Fe
In Santa Fe, NM, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $121,072 (2026 est.). At $134,023, the local median is 4.69% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Fe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Fe Optometrist Pay Compares
Santa Fe median: $134,023/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Fe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $132,696 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.69% less |
Optometrists in Santa Fe, NM earn a median of $134,023 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.69% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.00% above the New Mexico state average of $132,696.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Fe has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Fe, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $134,023 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $141,974 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,849
2025 BLS Actual
$130,170
2026 Current Est.
$134,023
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Santa Fe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,849 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,518 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,475 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,705 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,681 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,002 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,023 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,990 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Fe metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $109,849 (2019) to $130,170 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,990 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,141 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Fe 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) | $77,734 – $105,900 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,900 – $134,023 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,023 – $162,870 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,870 – $198,806 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Santa Fe
The local job market for optometrists in Santa Fe reflects a healthy employment opportunity, with about 20 practitioners working in the area. However, the cost-of-living index stands at 94.4, which is below the national average, thus affecting the purchasing power of optometrist pay in Santa Fe NM. Employers vary widely in their compensation levels; private optometry practices often pay more than retail optical chains due to lower overhead costs and potential profit-sharing from ophthalmology collaborations. The variability in salaries can also stem from practice ownership equity and the type of practice model—those linked with ophthalmologists typically benefit from additional revenue streams. Maximizing pay in this market may involve pursuing residency training, especially in ocular disease, and considering employment offers from established practices that have shifted from private to private equity management. With the projected growth rate of 2.96%, the future for optometrists in the region continues to look promising.
More salary data for Santa Fe, NM:
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 $130,170 for optometristsin the Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe 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