Optometrist Salary in Oregon: $139,048 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Oregon's 36 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $139,048/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Oregon sits at BEA RPP 102.6 (3% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $135,524 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Gresham ($143,373), Albany ($141,400), Hillsboro ($139,351).
In 2026, the average median salary for optometrists in Oregon is projected to be $139,049, which is slightly below the national median of $140,612, resulting in a -1.1% differential. Salary variations across the state are significant, with Gresham offering the highest pay at $147,617 and Springfield at the lowest with $127,809, presenting a salary gap of $19,808. Factors influencing these discrepancies include the cost of living in different areas, patient demographics, and local demand for eye care services. Oregon's optometrists face specific licensing and scope of practice requirements, which encompass comprehensive eye examinations and management of ocular diseases. The state's strong emphasis on preventative care is driving demand, contributing to an annual growth rate of 2.96% for the profession, as indicated by 2025 BLS data. The job market for optometrists shows promising growth, particularly in metro areas such as Albany ($145,585), Hillsboro ($143,476), Corvallis ($143,438), and Beaverton ($143,414). As patient demand continues to rise, optometrists can expect steady opportunities, particularly in urban centers where populations are growing and healthcare access is prioritized.
Oregon Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Oregon: $74,129 (lowest entry-level) to $217,326 (highest top earner)
Oregon vs National Average
Oregon optometrists earn 1.11% less than the national median ($-1,564/year difference).
Oregon Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Oregon range from $89,319 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $180,826 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $139,048. The Oregon median is $1,564 below the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $66.85/hr. Approximately 743 optometrists are employed across 36 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$103,356
2025 BLS Actual
$135,051
2026 Current Est.
$139,048
2019–2027 Growth
+38.5%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Oregon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,356 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,362 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,193 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,585 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,950 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,571 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,051 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,048 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,164 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oregon metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 30.7% from $103,356 (2019) to $135,051 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,164 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,808 (38.52%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oregon 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 Oregon
Lowest Paying Cities in Oregon
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Springfield | $127,809 |
| Eugene | $129,482 |
| Milwaukie | $132,591 |
| Klamath Falls | $132,906 |
| Bend | $133,652 |
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Oregon
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Oregon cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gresham | $147,617 | 102.6 | $143,876 |
| Albany | $145,585 | 102.6 | $141,896 |
| Hillsboro | $143,476 | 102.6 | $139,840 |
| Corvallis | $143,438 | 102.6 | $139,803 |
| Beaverton | $143,414 | 102.6 | $139,780 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Oregon
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $89,319 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $139,048 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $180,826 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Oregon metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 36 Cities in Oregon
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gresham | $147,617 |
| 2 | Albany | $145,585 |
| 3 | Hillsboro | $143,476 |
| 4 | Corvallis | $143,438 |
| 5 | Beaverton | $143,414 |
| 6 | McMinnville | $143,025 |
| 7 | Oregon City | $142,857 |
| 8 | Woodburn | $141,906 |
| 9 | Lake Oswego | $141,222 |
| 10 | Medford | $140,923 |
| 11 | Forest Grove | $140,853 |
| 12 | Portland | $140,283 |
| 13 | Tigard | $140,260 |
| 14 | Redmond | $140,215 |
| 15 | West Linn | $139,811 |
| 16 | Grants Pass | $139,308 |
| 17 | Tualatin | $138,603 |
| 18 | Pendleton | $138,590 |
| 19 | Salem | $138,574 |
| 20 | Wilsonville | $138,390 |
| 21 | Happy Valley | $137,201 |
| 22 | Hermiston | $136,823 |
| 23 | Central Point | $136,757 |
| 24 | Ashland | $136,746 |
| 25 | Keizer | $136,710 |
| 26 | Sherwood | $136,703 |
| 27 | Coos Bay | $136,475 |
| 28 | Roseburg | $135,976 |
| 29 | Canby | $135,900 |
| 30 | Newberg | $135,151 |
| 31 | The Dalles | $133,708 |
| 32 | Bend | $133,652 |
| 33 | Klamath Falls | $132,906 |
| 34 | Milwaukie | $132,591 |
| 35 | Eugene | $129,482 |
| 36 | Springfield | $127,809 |
More Oregon Salary Data
Compare Cities in Oregon
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Oregon in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Oregon?
How does Oregon optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Oregon?
How many optometrists are employed in Oregon?
Which Oregon 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 Oregon. State averages are employment-weighted across 36 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