Optometrist Salary in Longview, WA: $147,278 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Longview, WA earns a median $147,278/year (≈ $70.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Longview's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $137,130 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected median annual salary for optometrists in Longview, Washington, is projected to be $147,278, reflecting a competitive compensation structure within the region. The salary range for optometrists varies significantly, from $85,422 at the 10th percentile to $216,851 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse opportunities based on factors such as practice ownership and career stage. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price variations. Longview presents a unique employment environment where optometrists may choose between private practice, retail chain employment, or positions within healthcare systems, each influencing potential earnings and career trajectory in distinct ways.
About the Longview Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,422 | $41.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,560 | $55.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $147,278 | $70.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $179,281 | $86.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $216,851 | $104.26 |
Median Salary Position
4.74% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Longview
In Longview, WA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $131,429 (2026 est.). At $147,278, the local median is 4.74% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Longview: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Longview Optometrist Pay Compares
Longview median: $147,278/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Longview Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $151,054 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +4.74% more |
Optometrists in Longview, WA earn a median of $147,278 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.74% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 2.50% below the Washington state average of $151,054.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Longview has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Longview, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $147,278 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $137,130 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$120,713
2025 BLS Actual
$143,044
2026 Current Est.
$147,278
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Longview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $120,713 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,646 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,192 | Actual |
| 2022 | $131,544 | Actual |
| 2023 | $138,111 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,016 | Actual |
| 2025 | $143,044 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $147,278 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $151,638 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Longview metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $120,713 (2019) to $143,044 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $151,638 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,925 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longview 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) | $85,422 – $115,560 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,560 – $147,278 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $147,278 – $179,281 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $179,281 – $216,851 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Longview
With just six optometrists currently working in the Longview area, the local job market is quite concentrated, presenting both advantages and challenges for practitioners seeking to establish themselves. The cost of living index stands at 107.4, indicating that living expenses in Longview are higher than the national average, which could influence the actual purchasing power of the optometrist salary in Longview. Among various employers, private practices often pay more in a traditional setting compared to retail chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision. Factors contributing to the salary variation include ownership equity opportunities, the collaboration model with ophthalmological practices, and the presence of specialized training programs such as residencies that can command higher salaries. Engaging in further training, considering partnerships in private practices, or exploring employment with military or VA medical facilities may maximize overall earnings in this market.
More salary data for Longview, 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 $143,044 for optometristsin the Longview 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 Longview 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