Optometrist Salary in Lander, WY: $128,663 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Lander, WY earns a median $128,663/year (≈ $61.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Lander's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.8), that paycheck buys what $134,304 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Wyoming state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lander, Wyoming, optometrists can expect a median annual salary of $128,663 in 2026, which reflects local market conditions adjusted for regional costs. The range of salaries varies significantly, from $74,624 at the lower end to $179,307 for those at the top of the scale. This range is indicative of the different opportunities available, whether in private practice, employment as associates in established practices, or roles within retail chains. With a relatively small number of optometrists in the area, these structural choices heavily influence earnings, emphasizing the importance of ownership stakes in private settings compared to employed positions.
About the Lander Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,624 | $35.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,795 | $50.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,663 | $61.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $151,533 | $72.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $179,307 | $86.21 |
Median Salary Position
8.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lander
In Lander, WY, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $104,683 (2026 est.). At $128,663, the local median is 8.5% below the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Lander: You'd be above the median
How Lander Optometrist Pay Compares
Lander median: $128,663/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lander Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Average | $134,304 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -8.50% less |
Optometrists in Lander, WY earn a median of $128,663 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.50% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.20% below the Wyoming state average of $134,304.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lander 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.
Lander, WY has a cost-of-living index of 95.8 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $128,663 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $134,304 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.38% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$105,456
2025 BLS Actual
$124,964
2026 Current Est.
$128,663
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Lander (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,456 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,018 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,737 | Actual |
| 2022 | $114,917 | Actual |
| 2023 | $120,654 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,512 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,964 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,663 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,471 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lander metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $105,456 (2019) to $124,964 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $132,471 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,015 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lander 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) | $74,624 – $104,795 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,795 – $128,663 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,663 – $151,533 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $151,533 – $179,307 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Lander
The local job market currently employs four optometrists in Lander, which impacts both competition for positions and overall salary dynamics. With a cost of living index at 95.8, the purchasing power of optometrists is relatively favorable compared to the national average, allowing for comfortable living even though their pay lags behind the national median. Among various employers, private optometry practices and those aligned with ophthalmology often pay more due to additional revenue streams generated through surgical referrals. The disparity in salaries across the profession is furthered by factors such as equity participation in private practices and the benefit of advanced residency training. For those aiming to boost their earnings, establishing strong relationships within the community and exploring opportunities in partnerships could provide significant financial advantages in Lander's evolving optometric landscape.
More salary data for Lander, 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 $124,964 for optometristsin the Lander 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 Lander 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