Optometrist Salary in Pendleton, OR: $138,590 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Pendleton, OR earns a median $138,590/year (≈ $66.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Pendleton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $135,078 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pendleton, Oregon, the projected median annual salary for optometrists in 2026 is $138,590, just slightly below the national median of $140,612. The salary range highlights substantial variation within the profession, stretching from $80,497 at the 10th percentile to $188,702 for those in the 90th percentile. These figures reflect estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted to account for regional cost variations. Considering the state’s expanded scope of practice, which includes the management of glaucoma and the use of oral medications and laser procedures, professionals in this field may find the compensation aligned with increased responsibilities. With five optometrists currently employed in Pendleton, the local market appears concentrated but competitive, indicating opportunities for growth and professional development.
About the Pendleton Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,497 | $38.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,306 | $54.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,590 | $66.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $163,729 | $78.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $188,702 | $90.72 |
Median Salary Position
1.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pendleton
In Pendleton, OR, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,205 (2026 est.). At $138,590, the local median is 1.44% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pendleton: You'd be above the median
How Pendleton Optometrist Pay Compares
Pendleton median: $138,590/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pendleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $144,215 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -1.44% less |
Optometrists in Pendleton, OR earn a median of $138,590 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.44% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.90% below the Oregon state average of $144,215.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pendleton has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pendleton, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $138,590 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $135,078 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,593
2025 BLS Actual
$134,606
2026 Current Est.
$138,590
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Pendleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,593 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,352 | Actual |
| 2021 | $122,512 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,784 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,964 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,015 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,606 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,590 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,693 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pendleton metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $113,593 (2019) to $134,606 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,693 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,100 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pendleton 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) | $80,497 – $113,306 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,306 – $138,590 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,590 – $163,729 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $163,729 – $188,702 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Pendleton
Despite the relatively high median salary, the cost of living index in Pendleton is 102.6, suggesting that while pay may be attractive, it is essential to consider purchasing power when evaluating optometrist pay in Pendleton, OR. Factors influencing earnings include whether one practices in a retail chain setting or within private optometry, the impact of practice ownership equity, and clinical specialties such as ocular disease management following residency training. Private practices may offer competitive salaries, especially when paired with opportunities through the OD/MD model, where optometrists collaborate with ophthalmologists in surgical referrals. To maximize pay in this market, aspiring optometrists should pursue additional qualifications, seek out positions that allow for ownership stakes, and consider the advantages that come with working in a collaborative healthcare environment, such as those offered at local VSP or military health facilities.
More salary data for Pendleton, 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 $134,606 for optometristsin the Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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