Senior Optometrist Salary in Burien, WA: $228,168 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Burien, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $228,168/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Burien's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $212,447 in average-cost America. The 52% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burien, Washington, experienced optometrists command impressive earnings, with the median annual salary projected to reach $150,314 in 2026. For those among the top earners, the potential extends to $228,168, significantly surpassing the national top optometrist salary of $140,612. This means an eye-watering gap exists between median salaries and top-tier compensations, emphasizing the substantial rewards for senior professionals in the field. Achieving such high rates often necessitates a combination of extensive experience, specialization, and strategic career advancements, making it clear that the path to these earnings is not merely about time spent in practice but also about skill and market positioning.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burien
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Burien earn between $185,785 and $228,168 per year (2026 est.). This $140,986 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burien median of $150,314 sits 6.9% above the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Burien | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $150,314 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,785 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $228,168 | $208,165 |
In Burien, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 51.79% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Burien
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $150,314 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burien employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Burien command premium compensation, often reaching the $185,785–$228,168 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burien metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Burien 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 Washington 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 Burien
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurien ranks #8 of 49 Washington cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $228,168).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Burien ($228,168) is 2.03% above the Washington average P90 ($223,627).
2019 BLS Actual
$212,752
2025 BLS Actual
$221,608
2026 Current Est.
$228,168
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $212,752 | Actual |
| 2020 | $214,626 | Actual |
| 2021 | $210,877 | Actual |
| 2022 | $209,825 | Actual |
| 2023 | $223,712 | Actual |
| 2024 | $244,386 | Actual |
| 2025 | $221,608 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $228,168 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $234,921 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Burien saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $212,752 in 2019 to $221,608 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 $234,921 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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 Burien
Indeed, specific specializations within optometry, such as ocular disease management, pediatric care, and advanced contact lens fitting, frequently result in enhanced compensation in Burien. Senior optometrists typically secure higher pay across various employer types, from private practices to retail optical chains, which differ significantly in their pay structures and benefits. Those managing their own practices or partnering in OD/MD models increasingly benefit from shared revenue. Advanced credentials offer a further advantage in securing a top optometrist salary in Burien, especially for those pursuing residency training and obtaining certifications in glaucoma management or oral pharmaceuticals. Non-salary benefits, such as equity stakes in practices or income from partnerships with ophthalmologists, further supplement the financial appeal of this career path.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Burien in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Burien?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Burien?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Burien?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Burien?
Related Pages
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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 $221,608 for optometrists in the Burien 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 Burien 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