Optometrist Salary in Evanston, WY: $125,846 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Evanston, WY earns a median $125,846/year (≈ $60.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Evanston's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.8), that paycheck buys what $131,363 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Wyoming state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Evanston, WY, the projected median annual salary for optometrists in 2026 is $125,846, reflecting the growing value of the OD/MD surgical co-management revenue model that contributes significantly to compensation. This model not only enhances earnings potential but also provides a robust foundation for eye care professionals to collaborate in a clinical environment. The salary range for optometrists in the region extends from $78,630 at the 10th percentile to $169,798 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a diversity in income based on experience and practice setting. These figures derive from recent estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost factors, emphasizing that despite the lower median pay compared to the national average of $140,612, Evanston's optometry market presents unique opportunities within its local healthcare ecosystem.
About the Evanston Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,630 | $37.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,812 | $51.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,846 | $60.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145,136 | $69.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $169,798 | $81.64 |
Median Salary Position
10.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evanston
In Evanston, WY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $91,168 (2026 est.). At $125,846, the local median is 10.5% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Evanston: You'd be above the median
How Evanston Optometrist Pay Compares
Evanston median: $125,846/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Evanston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Average | $134,307 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -10.50% less |
Optometrists in Evanston, WY earn a median of $125,846 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.50% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.30% below the Wyoming state average of $134,307.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Evanston 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.
Evanston, WY has a cost-of-living index of 95.8 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $125,846 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $131,363 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.38% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$103,147
2025 BLS Actual
$122,228
2026 Current Est.
$125,846
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,147 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,653 | Actual |
| 2021 | $111,247 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,401 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,013 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,939 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,228 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,846 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,571 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Evanston metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $103,147 (2019) to $122,228 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $129,571 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,424 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evanston 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) | $78,630 – $106,812 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,812 – $125,846 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,846 – $145,136 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $145,136 – $169,798 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Evanston
With only six optometrists currently employed in Evanston, the job market demonstrates a relatively limited yet specialized local presence. The cost of living index stands at 95.8, which suggests that while salaries may be below the national norm, the affordability of living in and around Evanston extends the purchasing power of these professionals. Among the entities in the area, private optometry practices and OD/MD collaborative settings tend to offer the most competitive pay, driven by factors such as practice ownership equity and the diverse scope of services—including glaucoma management and specialty care. The wide income range encountered in Evanston's optometry salaries can often be attributed to various elements, such as experience, practice models, and post-acquisition dynamics of previously independent practices now under private equity ownership. To maximize earnings in this market, it is beneficial for optometrists to consider gaining residency training in ocular disease, exploring opportunities within established OD/MD models, and evaluating practice ownership options for heightened financial returns.
More salary data for Evanston, WY:
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 $122,228 for optometristsin the Evanston 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 Evanston 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