Optometrist Salary in Covington, WA: $141,769 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Covington, WA earns a median $141,769/year (≈ $68.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Covington's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $132,001 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.1% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Covington, Washington, optometrists can expect a median annual salary of $141,769 as of 2026, slightly outpacing the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in this region is notably broad, stretching from $82,226 at the lower end (P10) to $200,151 at the highest (P90). These figures are informed by estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living considerations. With an expanded scope of practice that includes the management of glaucoma, the prescription of oral medications, and the performance of select laser procedures, compensation is reflective of these advanced skills and responsibilities. Covington's emerging job market for optometrists highlights both a potent demand for services and competitive salaries within the field.
About the Covington Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,226 | $39.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,393 | $56.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,769 | $68.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $168,988 | $81.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $200,151 | $96.23 |
Median Salary Position
0.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Covington
In Covington, WA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,925 (2026 est.). At $141,769, the local median is 0.82% above the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Covington: You'd be above the median
How Covington Optometrist Pay Compares
Covington median: $141,769/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Covington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $150,978 | -6.10% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +0.82% more |
Optometrists in Covington, WA earn a median of $141,769 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.82% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 6.10% below the Washington state average of $150,978.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Covington has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Covington, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $141,769 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $132,001 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,198
2025 BLS Actual
$137,693
2026 Current Est.
$141,769
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Covington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,198 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,021 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,322 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,623 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,944 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,218 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,693 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,769 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,965 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Covington metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $116,198 (2019) to $137,693 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,965 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,767 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Covington 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) | $82,226 – $117,393 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,393 – $141,769 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,769 – $168,988 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $168,988 – $200,151 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Covington
The local job market in Covington currently employs five optometrists, indicating a tailored yet established network for new or transitioning professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, which is slightly above the national average, this scenario affects how much purchasing power an optometrist salary in Covington provides. Among the various employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups typically lead in paying the highest wages. Factors influencing the salary distribution include the potential for ownership equity in private practices, experience in the OD/MD model that allows for shared surgical referral revenue, and advanced residency training in ocular disease. For those looking to maximize their optometrist pay in Covington, strategies may include focusing on continuous professional development, seeking roles in high-paying settings like ophthalmology, and networking within the local optometry community to uncover lucrative opportunities.
More salary data for Covington, WA:
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 $137,693 for optometristsin the Covington 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 Covington 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