Optometrist Salary in Tacoma, WA: $169,895 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Tacoma, WA earns a median $169,895/year (≈ $81.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Tacoma's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $158,189 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.5% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tacoma, WA, optometrists can expect to earn a median annual salary of $169,895, representing a notable improvement over the national figure of $140,612 for 2026. The salary range for optometrists in the area spans from $98,539 at the 10th percentile to $263,338 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variability in earning potential based on factors such as experience, specialty training, and practice setting. These figures are derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost of living, which in Tacoma is reflected in a cost of living index of 107.4. The growing demand for optometrists, combined with the expanding scope of practice that now includes managing glaucoma and prescribing oral medications, helps to shape Tacoma's competitive job market, which currently employs 56 optometrists.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,539 | $47.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $133,683 | $64.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $169,895 | $81.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $214,437 | $103.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $263,338 | $126.60 |
Median Salary Position
20.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tacoma
In Tacoma, WA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $164,799 (2026 est.). At $169,895, the local median is 20.83% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tacoma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tacoma Optometrist Pay Compares
Tacoma median: $169,895/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tacoma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $151,018 | +12.50% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +20.83% more |
Optometrists in Tacoma, WA earn a median of $169,895 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.83% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 12.50% above the Washington state average of $151,018.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tacoma has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tacoma, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $169,895 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $158,189 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$139,251
2025 BLS Actual
$165,011
2026 Current Est.
$169,895
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $139,251 | Actual |
| 2020 | $142,634 | Actual |
| 2021 | $150,186 | Actual |
| 2022 | $151,744 | Actual |
| 2023 | $159,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $160,990 | Actual |
| 2025 | $165,011 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,895 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $174,924 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tacoma metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $139,251 (2019) to $165,011 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $174,924 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,673 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tacoma 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) | $98,539 – $133,683 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $133,683 – $169,895 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $169,895 – $214,437 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $214,437 – $263,338 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Tacoma
The local job market for optometrists is strengthened by the demand for healthcare services, particularly at facilities like VA medical centers and ophthalmology practices that operate OD/MD models, potentially boosting income through surgical referral revenue. Optometrists employed in private practices, especially those with ownership stakes or residency training in ocular disease, may find themselves at the higher end of the salary spectrum due to their equity in practice and patient management capabilities. Retail optical chains, while traditionally offering lower compensation, present a steady employment option, albeit with reduced earning potential compared to independent practices. Given Tacoma’s elevated cost of living, strategically seeking positions in well-compensated environments and pursuing residency training can help maximize earning potential in this evolving market. Understanding the local employment landscape and its dynamics regarding private equity acquisitions of practices may also guide optometrists in negotiating favorable salary packages.
More salary data for Tacoma, 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 $165,011 for optometristsin the Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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