Optometrist Salary in Orem, UT: $87,869 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Orem, UT earns a median $87,869/year (≈ $42.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Orem's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $89,571 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 36.3% below the Utah state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Orem, Utah can expect a median annual salary of $87,869. This figure falls within a salary range that spans from $50,964 at the 10th percentile to $133,787 at the 90th percentile. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, reveal a market context where earnings can substantially differ based on practice ownership and collaboration with ophthalmologists. Given the revenue-sharing models common in the OD/MD surgical co-management approach, optometrists' compensation can be positively impacted when they work alongside physicians, enhancing their overall earning potential in this healthcare setting.
About the Orem Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,964 | $24.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,497 | $34.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,869 | $42.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,849 | $52.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,787 | $64.32 |
Median Salary Position
37.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Orem
In Orem, UT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $82,823 (2026 est.). At $87,869, the local median is 37.51% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Orem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Orem Optometrist Pay Compares
Orem median: $87,869/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Orem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $137,942 | -36.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -37.51% less |
Optometrists in Orem, UT earn a median of $87,869 per year (2026 est.), which is 37.51% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 36.30% below the Utah state average of $137,942.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Orem has a cost of living 1.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Orem, UT has a cost-of-living index of 98.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $87,869 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $89,571 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.94% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,020
2025 BLS Actual
$85,343
2026 Current Est.
$87,869
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Orem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,020 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,770 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,675 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,482 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,400 | Actual |
| 2024 | $123,005 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,343 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,869 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,470 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Orem metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $72,020 (2019) to $85,343 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,470 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,450 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Orem 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) | $50,964 – $71,497 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,497 – $87,869 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,869 – $108,849 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,849 – $133,787 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Orem
With a local employment base of 24 optometrists, Orem's job market reflects a solid demand for eye care professionals. The cost of living index in the area sits at 98.1, indicating that while salaries for optometrists may be below the national average, purchasing power remains reasonably balanced. In terms of compensation, private optometry practices and OD/MD models tend to offer the highest pay, especially for those with residency training or specialized skills. The variance in salary can often be attributed to factors such as practice type, with retail optical chains typically offering lower wages compared to private practices, which may benefit from established patient bases. For those thinking about maximizing their optometrist pay in Orem, pursuing advanced training or exploring partnerships with ophthalmology could significantly enhance earning opportunities in this evolving market.
More salary data for Orem, UT:
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 $85,343 for optometristsin the Orem 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 Orem 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