Optometrist Salary in West Allis, WI: $148,141 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in West Allis, WI earns a median $148,141/year (≈ $71.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in West Allis's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $158,609 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Allis, Wisconsin, the anticipated optometrist salary in 2026 is projected to be $148,141, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $140,612. This figure appears robust within the broader regional context, considering that local estimates account for both state-specific factors and regional cost adjustments. The pay range demonstrates the variability within the profession, spanning from $85,922 at the 10th percentile to $217,093 at the 90th percentile. The scope of practice for optometrists in Wisconsin, which includes treating glaucoma, prescribing oral medications, and performing laser procedures, should further enhance marketability and compensation potential. With only 13 optometrists currently employed in the area, competitive dynamics may shape salary levels, offering unique opportunities for those entering this field.
About the West Allis Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,922 | $41.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,462 | $55.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $148,141 | $71.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $178,434 | $85.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $217,093 | $104.37 |
Median Salary Position
5.35% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Allis
In West Allis, WI, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $131,171 (2026 est.). At $148,141, the local median is 5.35% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in West Allis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Allis Optometrist Pay Compares
West Allis median: $148,141/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Allis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $147,993 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +5.35% more |
Optometrists in West Allis, WI earn a median of $148,141 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.35% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.10% above the Wisconsin state average of $147,993.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Allis has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
West Allis, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $148,141 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $158,609 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$121,421
2025 BLS Actual
$143,882
2026 Current Est.
$148,141
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in West Allis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $121,421 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,370 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,955 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,314 | Actual |
| 2023 | $138,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,518 | Actual |
| 2025 | $143,882 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,141 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $152,526 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Allis metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $121,421 (2019) to $143,882 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $152,526 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,105 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Allis 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) | $85,922 – $115,462 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,462 – $148,141 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $148,141 – $178,434 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $178,434 – $217,093 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in West Allis
Given the relatively low cost of living index in West Allis, currently at 93.4, optometrists can see greater purchasing power from their earnings compared to many urban locations in the U.S. The market features a diverse range of potential employers, including private optometry practices, retail optical chains such as LensCrafters and Pearle Vision, as well as ophthalmology practices and veterans' affairs centers. Typically, those employed in private practices or as part of an OD/MD model may enjoy higher pay due to revenue-sharing arrangements from surgical referrals or ownership stakes. Factors such as residency training in ocular disease can also command a premium salary. For ODs in West Allis, strategies to maximize compensation include seeking positions that offer equity participation, exploring collaborations with surgical specialists, and emphasizing additional training to enhance service offerings. This nuanced understanding of the market dynamics is essential for prospective optometrists looking to establish a fruitful career in this area.
More salary data for West Allis, WI:
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 $143,882 for optometristsin the West Allis 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 West Allis 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