Optometrist Salary in Payson, UT: $129,545 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Payson, UT earns a median $129,545/year (≈ $62.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Payson's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $132,054 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.1% below the Utah state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Payson, Utah, the projected median annual optometrist salary for 2026 stands at $129,545, reflecting a competitive pay scale compared to national figures. When evaluating the local salary range, it spans from $75,136 at the lower end to $175,568 for the highest earners. These estimates are informed by BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, highlighting a unique landscape for optometrists in the area. The integration of the OD/MD model, where optometrists collaborate with ophthalmologists for surgical co-management, can enhance revenue potential and make a substantial difference in overall compensation. Given this collaborative approach and the current employment of only six optometrists in Payson, the dynamics of supply and demand could play a significant role in shaping income levels in this market.
About the Payson Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,136 | $36.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,260 | $53.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,545 | $62.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,498 | $71.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $175,568 | $84.41 |
Median Salary Position
7.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Payson
In Payson, UT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $100,432 (2026 est.). At $129,545, the local median is 7.87% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Payson: You'd be above the median
How Payson Optometrist Pay Compares
Payson median: $129,545/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Payson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $137,961 | -6.10% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -7.87% less |
Optometrists in Payson, UT earn a median of $129,545 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.87% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.10% below the Utah state average of $137,961.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Payson 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.
Payson, UT has a cost-of-living index of 98.1 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $129,545 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $132,054 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.94% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,179
2025 BLS Actual
$125,821
2026 Current Est.
$129,545
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Payson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,179 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,759 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,517 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,705 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,482 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,925 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,821 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,545 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,380 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Payson metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $106,179 (2019) to $125,821 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,380 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,201 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Payson 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) | $75,136 – $110,260 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,260 – $129,545 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,545 – $149,498 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,498 – $175,568 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Payson
Assessing the local job market, Payson displays a relatively limited pool of optometrists, which may lead to favorable conditions for job seekers. The cost of living index stands at 98.1, slightly below the national average, meaning that the purchasing power for optometrists may stretch further than in higher-cost areas. Employers such as private optometry practices often provide higher compensation compared to retail optical chains, while those in ophthalmology settings can attract an even larger share due to revenue-sharing models. Factors driving salary disparities include practice ownership equity, the prevalence of the OD/MD model, and residency training in ocular disease, which tends to bring a pay premium. To maximize earning potential in Payson, optometrists may consider aligning themselves with practices that focus on surgical co-management or explore opportunities within the VA healthcare system, where benefits and pay scales may be more favorable.
More salary data for Payson, 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 $125,821 for optometristsin the Payson 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 Payson 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