Optometrist Salary in Provo, UT: $88,803 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Provo, UT earns a median $88,803/year (≈ $42.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Provo's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.2), that paycheck buys what $90,401 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 35.6% below the Utah state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Provo, Utah, the optometrist salary sits at a median of $88,803, reflecting a distinct structure in job opportunities influenced by the ownership model. The full salary range spans from $36,355 at the bottom ten percentile to $177,585 for the top earners, indicating a diverse market landscape. This wide variation in pay is shaped by factors such as practice ownership—the choice between setting up a private practice, joining a retail chain like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision, or collaborating within an ophthalmology practice. The salary estimates are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. This region not only offers competitive compensation but also presents a unique opportunity for optometrists to thrive in a growing market with a 2.96% annual growth rate, making it an attractive area for both new and experienced ODs.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,355 | $17.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,308 | $23.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,803 | $42.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $155,099 | $74.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $177,585 | $85.37 |
Median Salary Position
36.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Provo
In Provo, UT, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $141,230 (2026 est.). At $88,803, the local median is 36.85% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Provo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Provo Optometrist Pay Compares
Provo median: $88,803/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Provo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $137,893 | -35.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -36.85% less |
Optometrists in Provo, UT earn a median of $88,803 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.85% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 35.60% below the Utah state average of $137,893.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Provo has a cost of living 1.77% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Provo, UT has a cost-of-living index of 98.232 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $88,803 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $90,401 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.8% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,340
2025 BLS Actual
$86,250
2026 Current Est.
$88,803
2019–2027 Growth
+31.9%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Provo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,250 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,803 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,432 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Provo metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 24.4% from $69,340 (2019) to $86,250 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,432 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,092 (31.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Provo 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) | $36,355 – $49,308 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,308 – $88,803 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,803 – $155,099 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $155,099 – $177,585 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Provo
In terms of local employment, Provo currently has 60 optometrists serving its population, which positions the market for steady job growth. The cost of living index at 98.232 suggests that living expenses are slightly below the national average, enhancing the effectiveness of take-home pay. Among local employers, private optometry practices often offer the most lucrative opportunities, particularly those that have maintained a level of independence amid the retail optical chain acquisitions. This financial landscape varies, with owner-operators typically earning more than those employed in retail settings due to the equity and revenue from loyal patient bases. Factors like residency training in ocular disease can also significantly impact salary potential, as practices seek to leverage advanced skill sets for niche services. For those looking to maximize their optometrist pay in Provo UT, engaging with community health initiatives, pursuing advanced certifications, and considering joint ventures in private practice can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Provo, 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 $86,250 for optometristsin the Provo 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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