Optometrist Salary

Senior Optometrist Salary in Los Alamos, NM: $173,039 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Los Alamos, NM — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $173,039/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Los Alamos's price premium (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $183,304 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$173,039
Top 10% Earn
$83.19/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$145,662
75th Percentile
$173,039
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Optometrist Senior Salary in Los Alamos, NM — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Los Alamos, NM optometrist senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Los Alamos, New Mexico, presents a compelling opportunity for seasoned optometrists, particularly those looking to elevate their earnings. In 2026, the top earners in this field are projected to receive an annual salary of $173,039, significantly higher than the median salary of $122,343. This considerable difference highlights the potential revenue that can be unlocked through advanced training and specialization, with the P75 earning $145,662 showcasing the significant gaps at the higher echelons of optometry compensation. Achieving such impressive figures requires a robust portfolio of clinical expertise and perhaps a focus on high-demand specialties, such as ocular disease or pediatric optometry, which can position an experienced optometrist favorably within Los Alamos's market.

About the Los Alamos Market

Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Los Alamos

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for optometrists in Los Alamos. The median salary is $122,343, compared to the national median of $140,612.$65.2K$94.3K$123.4K$152.6K$181.7K$72.4K10th Pctl$101.3K25th Pctl$122.3KMedian$145.7K75th Pctl$173.0K90th PctlUS Median$140.6K

Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Los Alamos earn between $145,662 and $173,039 per year (2026 est.). This $100,596 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Los Alamos median of $122,343 sits 12.99% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of optometrist pay in the Los Alamos metro area.

Top OD Salary Comparison

LevelLos AlamosNational
Median (P50)$122,343$140,612
75th Percentile$145,662$170,008
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$173,039$208,165

In Los Alamos, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 41.44% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Los Alamos

1

Advanced Certifications in New Mexico

NM optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $122,343 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Los Alamos employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Los Alamos command premium compensation, often reaching the $145,662–$173,039 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Los Alamos metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured optometrists in Los Alamos with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Optometrists in New Mexico who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.

Optometrist Career & Wage Growth Path in Los Alamos

Clinical Optometrist

0-5 years
$72,443 – $122,343

Senior/Lead Optometrist

5-10 years
$122,343 – $145,662

Optometrist Department Manager

10+ years
$145,662+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Los Alamos ranks #14 of 17 New Mexico cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $173,039).

Top 10% optometrist compensation in Los Alamos ($173,039) is 12.76% below the New Mexico average P90 ($198,340).

2019 BLS Actual

$161,347

2025 BLS Actual

$168,064

2026 Current Est.

$173,039

2019–2027 Growth

+10.4%

Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Los Alamos (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for optometrists in Los Alamos. Baseline $161,347 in 2025, projected to $178,161 by 2027.$155.3K$162.0K$168.6K$175.3K$182.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$161.3K$162.8K$159.9K$159.1K$169.7K$160.3K$168.1K$173.0K$178.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$161,347Actual
2020$162,769Actual
2021$159,926Actual
2022$159,128Actual
2023$169,660Actual
2024$160,319Actual
2025$168,064Actual
2026(current)$173,039Estimated
2027$178,161Projected

Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Los Alamos saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $161,347 in 2019 to $168,064 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.96% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $178,161 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Alamos metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Maximizing Your Optometrist Earnings in Los Alamos

Senior optometrists in Los Alamos can expect to experience a diverse landscape of compensation based on their professional focus and employment settings. Specializations such as ocular disease management and pediatric optometry often command higher pay, as these areas require considerable training and expertise, particularly for those completing rigorous residencies. Moreover, the compensation structure varies significantly across different employer types; for instance, private practices may offer equity options and flexibility that retail chains often do not. As an optometrist advances their career, opportunities for leadership roles, such as practice ownership or partnerships in OD/MD models, become attainable, enhancing their earning potential further. In New Mexico, obtaining advanced credentials not only solidifies expertise but also enhances earning capacity—factors like residency training or specialty certifications can facilitate the transition to these lucrative positions, making senior optometry a pathway rich with potential in Los Alamos.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced optometrists make in Los Alamos in 2026?

Top-earning optometrists in Los Alamos (90th percentile) make $173,039/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.96% annual growth). This is $50,696 more than the area median of $122,343 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior optometrists typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher optometrist pay in Los Alamos?

Higher optometrist pay in Los Alamos is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost optometrist salary in Los Alamos?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for optometrists in Los Alamos include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $122,343, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Los Alamos?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Los Alamos is $173,039, well above $100K. Optometrists with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Los Alamos?

In Los Alamos, the gap between entry level ($72,443) and top earners ($173,039) is $100,596, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in New Mexico

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Rajiv Kumar, ODData verified by Sofia Martinez, OD

Methodology & Data Source

Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $168,064 for optometrists in the Los Alamos metro area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Los Alamos is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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