Optometrist Salary

Senior Optometrist Salary in South Jordan, UT: $199,679 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in South Jordan, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $199,679/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back South Jordan's price premium (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $203,546 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$199,679
Top 10% Earn
$96.00/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$165,391
75th Percentile
$199,679
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Optometrist Senior Salary in South Jordan, UT — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
South Jordan, UT optometrist senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For experienced optometrists in South Jordan, Utah, the potential for high earnings is significant, with top-tier salaries reaching $199,679, based on 2026 projections. This figure is indicative of how advanced credentials and years of experience can propel skilled practitioners far above the median annual salary of $138,850 in this market. The roughly $60,000 gap between median and top earners illustrates the financial benefits of specializing in areas such as ocular disease or pediatric optometry, where residency training becomes particularly valuable. To achieve such top optometrist salary levels in South Jordan, professionals typically excel in their practice, participate in continuous education, and may pursue leadership roles within their organizations.

About the South Jordan Market

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Jordan

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for optometrists in South Jordan. The median salary is $138,850, compared to the national median of $140,612.$72.5K$106.8K$141.1K$175.4K$209.7K$80.5K10th Pctl$109.2K25th Pctl$138.8KMedian$165.4K75th Pctl$199.7K90th PctlUS Median$140.6K

Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in South Jordan earn between $165,391 and $199,679 per year (2026 est.). This $119,146 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The South Jordan median of $138,850 sits 1.25% below the US median.

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

Top OD Salary Comparison

LevelSouth JordanNational
Median (P50)$138,850$140,612
75th Percentile$165,391$170,008
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$199,679$208,165

In South Jordan, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 43.81% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in South Jordan

1

Advanced Certifications in Utah

UT optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $138,850 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by South Jordan employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in South Jordan command premium compensation, often reaching the $165,391–$199,679 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

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

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured optometrists in South Jordan 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 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 South Jordan

Clinical Optometrist

0-5 years
$80,533 – $138,850

Senior/Lead Optometrist

5-10 years
$138,850 – $165,391

Optometrist Department Manager

10+ years
$165,391+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

South Jordan ranks #11 of 41 Utah cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $199,679).

Top 10% optometrist compensation in South Jordan ($199,679) is 0.06% above the Utah average P90 ($199,565).

2019 BLS Actual

$186,187

2025 BLS Actual

$193,938

2026 Current Est.

$199,679

2019–2027 Growth

+10.4%

Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in South Jordan (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 South Jordan. Baseline $186,187 in 2025, projected to $205,589 by 2027.$179.2K$186.9K$194.6K$202.3K$210.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$186.2K$187.8K$184.5K$183.6K$195.8K$185.2K$193.9K$199.7K$205.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$186,187Actual
2020$187,828Actual
2021$184,547Actual
2022$183,626Actual
2023$195,780Actual
2024$185,150Actual
2025$193,938Actual
2026(current)$199,679Estimated
2027$205,589Projected

Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in South Jordan saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $186,187 in 2019 to $193,938 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 $205,589 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Jordan 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 South Jordan

Compensation for senior optometrists varies significantly based on practice type and specialization in South Jordan. Notably, those focusing on areas like cornea and contact lenses, or vision therapy, often command higher salaries. Private practices might offer ownership stakes and shared profits, while retail optical chains tend to focus on standard salary structures. Those involved in the OD/MD model can also benefit from surgical referral revenue, elevating their total compensation. Additionally, advanced training, such as completing an ocular disease residency or obtaining glaucoma certification, enhances earning potential in the state. Senior optometrists pursuing leadership roles in associations like the AOA or stepping into teaching positions may find themselves with new income streams that further augment their pay package in the evolving landscape of the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced optometrists make in South Jordan in 2026?

Top-earning optometrists in South Jordan (90th percentile) make $199,679/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.96% annual growth). This is $60,829 more than the area median of $138,850 — 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 South Jordan?

Higher optometrist pay in South Jordan 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 South Jordan?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for optometrists in South Jordan include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $138,850, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced optometrists make six figures in South Jordan?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in South Jordan is $199,679, 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 South Jordan?

In South Jordan, the gap between entry level ($80,533) and top earners ($199,679) is $119,146, 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 Utah

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 $193,938 for optometrists in the South Jordan 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 South Jordan 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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