Optometrist Salary in Cheyenne, WY: $132,997 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Cheyenne, WY earns a median $132,997/year (≈ $63.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Cheyenne's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.8), that paycheck buys what $138,828 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Wyoming state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Cheyenne, Wyoming, can expect a median annual salary of $132,997 in 2026, which reflects a modest gap when compared to the national median of $140,612. This local figure is derived from state-level data adjusted for regional cost differences, positioning the salary range from $77,138 at the 10th percentile to $200,262 at the 90th percentile. The increasing scope of practice for optometrists in Wyoming, which now includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and certain laser procedures, positions these professionals to demand competitive compensation. As the job market evolves, Cheyenne is creating opportunities that reflect both the growing responsibilities and the specialized training of optometrists in the area.
About the Cheyenne Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,138 | $37.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,991 | $52.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,997 | $63.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $163,819 | $78.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $200,262 | $96.28 |
Median Salary Position
5.42% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cheyenne
In Cheyenne, WY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,124 (2026 est.). At $132,997, the local median is 5.42% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cheyenne: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cheyenne Optometrist Pay Compares
Cheyenne median: $132,997/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cheyenne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Average | $134,204 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -5.42% less |
Optometrists in Cheyenne, WY earn a median of $132,997 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.42% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% below the Wyoming state average of $134,204.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cheyenne has a cost of living 4.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cheyenne, WY has a cost-of-living index of 95.8 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $132,997 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,828 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.38% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,008
2025 BLS Actual
$129,173
2026 Current Est.
$132,997
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Cheyenne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,008 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,656 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,568 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,788 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,718 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,471 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,173 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,997 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,933 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cheyenne metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $109,008 (2019) to $129,173 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,933 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,925 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cheyenne 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) | $77,138 – $109,991 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,991 – $132,997 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,997 – $163,819 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $163,819 – $200,262 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Cheyenne
In Cheyenne, there are currently 13 optometrists in practice, which contributes to the local job market's stability. The cost of living in the city is relatively low with an index of 95.8, meaning that the purchasing power for optometrists can be favorable despite slightly lower salaries than the national average. Among local employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups may offer the highest pay, particularly for those who have completed residency training or who operate within an OD/MD model that allows for shared revenue from surgical referrals. The range in optometrist pay in Cheyenne can be influenced by factors like practice ownership, location of practice, and the impact of private equity on the industry. To maximize earnings, aspiring optometrists should consider gaining experience in high-demand specialties and explore opportunities that allow for greater autonomy and financial incentives.
More salary data for Cheyenne, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Cheyenne?
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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 $129,173 for optometristsin the Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne 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