Optometrist Salary in Albany, OR: $145,585 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Albany, OR earns a median $145,585/year (≈ $69.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Albany's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $141,896 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Albany, Oregon, the estimated median annual salary for optometrists in 2026 stands at $145,585, positioning local professionals slightly ahead of the national figure of $140,612. This competitive compensation reflects the state’s expanded scope of practice, allowing optometrists to manage glaucoma, prescribe oral medications, and perform laser procedures. The salary range for optometrists in this area spans from $84,440 at the 10th percentile to $210,110 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the opportunities for growth within the profession. These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, providing vital context as Albany’s job market for optometry continues to evolve.
About the Albany Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,440 | $40.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,937 | $55.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $145,585 | $69.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $173,860 | $83.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $210,110 | $101.01 |
Median Salary Position
3.54% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Albany
In Albany, OR, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $125,670 (2026 est.). At $145,585, the local median is 3.54% above the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Albany: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Albany Optometrist Pay Compares
Albany median: $145,585/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Albany Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $144,287 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +3.54% more |
Optometrists in Albany, OR earn a median of $145,585 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.54% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% above the Oregon state average of $144,287.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Albany has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Albany, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $145,585 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $141,896 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,326
2025 BLS Actual
$141,400
2026 Current Est.
$145,585
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,326 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,225 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,696 | Actual |
| 2022 | $130,032 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,523 | Actual |
| 2024 | $142,880 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,400 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,585 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,895 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Albany metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $119,326 (2019) to $141,400 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,895 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,569 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albany 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) | $84,440 – $114,937 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,937 – $145,585 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $145,585 – $173,860 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $173,860 – $210,110 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Albany
The optometrist job market in Albany is relatively small, with just eight professionals currently employed in the area. The cost-of-living index in Albany is slightly above average at 102.6, which can impact the purchasing power of salaries; thus, understanding the local market is essential for financial wellness. Among the employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology clinics tend to offer the highest compensation, particularly those following an OD/MD model that provides opportunities for surgical collaboration. The disparity in pay can be influenced by factors such as practice ownership, which may allow for equity stakes, or the added revenue from surgical referrals. Additionally, residency training, particularly in ocular disease or through VA pathways, can lead to higher salaries. Aspiring optometrists in Albany should focus on building their expertise and networking within the community to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Albany, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Albany?
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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 $141,400 for optometristsin the Albany 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 Albany 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