Optometrist Salary in Forest Grove, OR: $140,853 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Forest Grove, OR earns a median $140,853/year (≈ $67.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Forest Grove's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $137,284 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Forest Grove, Oregon, the optometrist salary is projected to reach $140,853 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $140,612, highlighting the competitive nature of the local market. The salary range for optometrists in the area stretches from $81,695 at the lower end (10th percentile) to an impressive $199,020 at the high end (90th percentile). These figures are based on the latest estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, which brings an additional layer of financial consideration for optometrists choosing to either own their private practice or work in retail chains and hospitals. In a city where only four optometrists are currently employed, the choice between different employment structures can significantly influence earnings and job satisfaction.
About the Forest Grove Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,695 | $39.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,712 | $53.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,853 | $67.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $166,360 | $79.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199,020 | $95.68 |
Median Salary Position
0.17% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Forest Grove
In Forest Grove, OR, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,325 (2026 est.). At $140,853, the local median is 0.17% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Forest Grove: You'd be above the median
How Forest Grove Optometrist Pay Compares
Forest Grove median: $140,853/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Forest Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $144,317 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +0.17% more |
Optometrists in Forest Grove, OR earn a median of $140,853 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.17% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.40% below the Oregon state average of $144,317.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Forest Grove has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Forest Grove, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $140,853 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,284 — a 2.53% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$115,447
2025 BLS Actual
$136,804
2026 Current Est.
$140,853
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Forest Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,447 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,252 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,513 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,805 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,086 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,236 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,804 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,853 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,023 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Forest Grove metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $115,447 (2019) to $136,804 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,023 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,576 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Forest Grove 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) | $81,695 – $110,712 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,712 – $140,853 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,853 – $166,360 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $166,360 – $199,020 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Forest Grove
As the cost-of-living index in Forest Grove stands at 102.6, most optometrists will find that their purchasing power is slightly below the national average. This economic reality requires professionals in the area to consider their employment options carefully; private practices often yield higher pay compared to retail chains such as LensCrafters or Walmart Vision, while those who collaborate with ophthalmologists in OD/MD models may also see enhanced compensation through shared surgical referral revenue. The pay differences in this market arise from variables such as practice ownership equity, post-acquisition employment terms, and the value of specialized training, including residency programs that focus on ocular disease management. To improve earnings, optometrists in Forest Grove could pursue affiliations with established practices or hospitals, partake in continuing education, and explore opportunities that align with the expanding scope of optometry.
More salary data for Forest Grove, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Forest Grove, OR in 2026?
Is Forest Grove, OR a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Forest Grove?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Forest Grove?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Forest Grove?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 $136,804 for optometristsin the Forest Grove 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 Forest Grove 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