Optometrist Salary in Medford, OR: $140,923 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Medford, OR earns a median $140,923/year (≈ $67.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Medford's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $137,352 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $140,923 for 2026, optometrists in Medford, OR, find themselves in a competitive compensation scenario relative to the national median of $140,612. This profession, bolstered by an expanded scope of practice that includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and select laser procedures, continues to evolve, shaping local salary dynamics. The local salary range spans from $81,736 at the 10th percentile to $213,417 at the 90th percentile, offering a significant potential for earnings based on experience, practice type, and individual skill sets. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, reflecting local economic conditions and cost adjustments that impact the labor market in Medford. The presence of 22 optometrists in the area indicates a specialized job market, crucial for new graduates and seasoned professionals alike.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,736 | $39.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,193 | $54.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,923 | $67.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $174,205 | $83.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $213,417 | $102.60 |
Median Salary Position
0.22% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Medford
In Medford, OR, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $131,681 (2026 est.). At $140,923, the local median is 0.22% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Medford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Medford Optometrist Pay Compares
Medford median: $140,923/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Medford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $144,241 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +0.22% more |
Optometrists in Medford, OR earn a median of $140,923 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.22% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.30% below the Oregon state average of $144,241.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Medford has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Medford, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $140,923 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,352 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,505
2025 BLS Actual
$136,872
2026 Current Est.
$140,923
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,505 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,311 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $130,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $133,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,305 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,872 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,923 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,095 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Medford metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $115,505 (2019) to $136,872 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,095 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,590 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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) | $81,736 – $114,193 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,193 – $140,923 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,923 – $174,205 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $174,205 – $213,417 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Medford
In analyzing the local job market for optometrists, Medford presents both opportunities and challenges. With a cost-of-living index of 102.6, the purchasing power of optometrists' salaries may be slightly higher than in many other regions, but it still underscores the necessity for effective financial management. Major employers include private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups, which typically offer higher compensation compared to retail optical chains. The disparities in pay can be attributed to factors such as practice ownership, the construction of collaborative models in OD/MD settings, and the influence of residency training paths. Those who focus on specialty areas, such as ocular disease or work with the Department of Veterans Affairs, often command higher salaries. To maximize earnings, potential optometrists in Medford should consider seeking positions in private practice settings and acquiring residency training, as this can lead to enhanced compensation and job security in a rapidly changing industry landscape.
More salary data for Medford, OR:
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 $136,872 for optometristsin the Medford 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 Medford 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