Optometrist Salary in Seattle, WA: $172,777 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Seattle, WA earns a median $172,777/year (≈ $83.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Seattle's price level (11% above national, BEA RPP 111.1), that paycheck buys what $155,469 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 14.4% above the Washington state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, an optometrist in Seattle can expect an annual salary of $172,777, significantly above the national median of $140,612. This salary reflects a range from $124,942 at the 10th percentile to $234,275 at the 90th percentile. Such figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting both the earning potential and the competitive landscape for optometrists in Seattle. With various practice models available, including solo ownership, employment in private practices, and retail chain positions, income can vary dramatically based on the chosen structure. This diversity necessitates a strategic approach when it comes to career choices in the optometry field, especially in a city where salary potential is markedly high.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $124,942 | $60.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $138,615 | $66.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $172,777 | $83.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $206,775 | $99.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $234,275 | $112.63 |
Median Salary Position
22.88% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Seattle
In Seattle, WA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,333 (2026 est.). At $172,777, the local median is 22.88% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Seattle: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Seattle Optometrist Pay Compares
Seattle median: $172,777/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Seattle Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $151,029 | +14.40% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +22.88% more |
Optometrists in Seattle, WA earn a median of $172,777 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.88% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 14.40% above the Washington state average of $151,029.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Seattle has a cost of living 11.13% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Seattle, WA has a cost-of-living index of 111.133 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $172,777 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $155,469 — a 10.02% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$120,070
2025 BLS Actual
$167,810
2026 Current Est.
$172,777
2019–2027 Growth
+48.2%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $120,070 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,040 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,370 | Actual |
| 2023 | $152,510 | Actual |
| 2024 | $162,820 | Actual |
| 2025 | $167,810 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $172,777 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $177,891 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Seattle metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 39.8% from $120,070 (2019) to $167,810 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $177,891 by 2027 — a total increase of $57,821 (48.16%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Seattle 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) | $124,942 – $138,615 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $138,615 – $172,777 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $172,777 – $206,775 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $206,775 – $234,275 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Seattle
The job market in Seattle is robust, with approximately 420 optometrists currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living is also a factor to be considered, reflected in a cost-of-living index of 111.133, indicating that expenses exceed the national average. This reality may affect take-home pay, making it essential for optometrists to consider which types of employers offer the best compensation. Private optometry practices and certain ophthalmology setups often provide higher salaries compared to retail chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision. Factors such as practice ownership equity, the structure of OD/MD relationships, and the specific skills acquired through residency training can contribute to the salary variance within the market. For those looking to maximize earnings in Seattle, pursuing advanced training in ocular disease or securing a position that aligns with high-revenue medical models could prove advantageous.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Seattle, WA in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Seattle?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Seattle?
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Related Pages
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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 $167,810 for optometristsin the Seattle 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