Senior Optometrist Salary in Ogden, UT: $177,709 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Ogden, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $177,709/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Ogden's price premium (BEA RPP 100.3, 0% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $177,091 in average-cost America. The 31% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Ogden, Utah, the salary landscape for seasoned optometrists is particularly promising. As of 2026, top-tier professionals can earn upwards of $177,709, with many in the top 25% making around $163,120. Compared to the national top earners, who see a median of $140,612, Ogden's experienced optometrists exhibit a competitive edge in compensation. This substantial gap between the median annual salary of $136,072 and the highest earners reflects the value placed on experience and specialization in this market. To reach the pinnacle of this salary range, it requires a blend of advanced credentials, possibly including residency training in ocular disease or pediatric optometry, and a well-established patient base to maximize income potential.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ogden
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Ogden earn between $163,120 and $177,709 per year (2026 est.). This $127,804 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Ogden median of $136,072 sits 3.23% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Ogden | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $136,072 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,120 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $177,709 | $208,165 |
In Ogden, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 30.60% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Ogden
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $136,072 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Ogden employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Ogden command premium compensation, often reaching the $163,120–$177,709 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Ogden metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Ogden with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Optometrists in Utah 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 Ogden
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedOgden ranks #35 of 41 Utah cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $177,709).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Ogden ($177,709) is 10.95% below the Utah average P90 ($199,565).
2019 BLS Actual
$156,730
2025 BLS Actual
$172,600
2026 Current Est.
$177,709
2019–2027 Growth
+16.7%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Ogden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $156,730 | Actual |
| 2020 | $160,400 | Actual |
| 2021 | $164,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $154,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $213,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $185,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $172,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $177,709 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $182,969 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Ogden saw their compensation grow 10.1% from $156,730 in 2019 to $172,600 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 $182,969 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ogden 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.
Maximizing Your Optometrist Earnings in Ogden
Several factors contribute to the differences in compensation for senior optometrists in Ogden. Specializations such as ocular disease, pediatric optometry, and low vision rehabilitation are highly sought after, often resulting in increased earning potential. Employers also influence pay scales; optometrists in private practices or ophthalmology settings may fare better than those in retail chains. Additionally, opportunities for advancement abound; seasoned professionals can take on roles such as practice owners or multi-location operators, which not only enhance their income but also their professional standing within the optometry community. Obtaining advanced certifications can further drive salary increases, particularly with credentials like an ocular disease residency or glaucoma management training. Non-salary benefits, such as equity from practice ownership or revenue-sharing from collaborative ophthalmology practices, also play a significant role in overall compensation, particularly with the evolution of private optometry amid private equity acquisitions.
More salary data for Ogden, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Ogden in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Ogden?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Ogden?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Ogden?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Ogden?
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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
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 $172,600 for optometrists in the Ogden 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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