Optometrist Salary in Spokane Valley, WA: $132,415 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Spokane Valley, WA earns a median $132,415/year (≈ $63.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Spokane Valley's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $123,291 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.3% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Spokane Valley, Washington, optometrists can anticipate a median annual salary of $132,415 in 2026, a figure slightly below the national average of $140,612. This range spans from $76,801 at the 10th percentile to as much as $199,830 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse income spectrum within the profession. Salaries in this market are shaped by the choice between ownership and employment structures, including solo practices, group practices, and retail optical chains. As the demand for vision care continues to grow, job opportunities for optometrists reflect the local economic conditions and associated cost adjustments, making Spokane Valley a notable location for those considering a career in optometry.
About the Spokane Valley Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,801 | $36.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,497 | $49.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,415 | $63.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,620 | $78.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199,830 | $96.07 |
Median Salary Position
5.83% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Spokane Valley
In Spokane Valley, WA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,029 (2026 est.). At $132,415, the local median is 5.83% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Spokane Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Spokane Valley Optometrist Pay Compares
Spokane Valley median: $132,415/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Spokane Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $150,986 | -12.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -5.83% less |
Optometrists in Spokane Valley, WA earn a median of $132,415 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.83% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 12.30% below the Washington state average of $150,986.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Spokane Valley has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Spokane Valley, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $132,415 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $123,291 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,531
2025 BLS Actual
$128,608
2026 Current Est.
$132,415
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Spokane Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,531 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,168 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,053 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,268 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,173 | Actual |
| 2024 | $163,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,608 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,415 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,334 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Spokane Valley metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $108,531 (2019) to $128,608 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,334 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,803 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spokane Valley 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) | $76,801 – $103,497 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,497 – $132,415 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,415 – $162,620 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,620 – $199,830 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Spokane Valley
The job market for optometrists in Spokane Valley remains relatively strong, with 21 professionals currently employed in the area which offers a cost of living index of 107.4. This figure suggests that while housing and general expenses may be higher than the national average, the corresponding salaries for optometrists still provide a reasonable take-home pay. Retail optical chains like LensCrafters and Pearle Vision typically offer lower salaries compared to private practices, where ownership can lead to higher earnings, especially for those with residency training in ocular disease or those working alongside ophthalmologists in an OD/MD model. The variance in pay can also be attributed to the shift towards private equity acquiring private practices, altering compensation dynamics. To maximize earning potential in Spokane Valley, optometrists should consider pursuing advanced training, seek opportunities within private practices, and stay informed on employment agreements that may offer better compensation packages.
More salary data for Spokane Valley, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Spokane Valley?
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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 $128,608 for optometristsin the Spokane Valley 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 Spokane Valley 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