Senior Optometrist Salary in Edmonds, WA: $214,013 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Edmonds, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $214,013/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Edmonds's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $199,267 in average-cost America. The 46% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Compensation for senior optometrists in Edmonds, Washington showcases significant earning potential in 2026, with top-tier professionals commanding $214,013 annually at the 90th percentile, while those at the 75th percentile secure $177,286. This impressive P90 figure exceeds the national top optometrist salary of $140,612 for the year, presenting a clear financial incentive for experienced practitioners contemplating a move to the area. The gap between the median salary of $146,446 and the earnings for high achievers emphasizes the experience premium available in this market. To reach these upper echelons, senior optometrists often require a combination of extensive clinical experience, further specialization, and, in many cases, advanced credentials or training, which together create a competitive advantage in client-focused practice.
About the Edmonds Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Edmonds
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Edmonds earn between $177,286 and $214,013 per year (2026 est.). This $129,074 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Edmonds median of $146,446 sits 4.15% above the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Edmonds | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $146,446 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,286 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $214,013 | $208,165 |
In Edmonds, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 46.14% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Edmonds
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $146,446 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Edmonds employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Edmonds command premium compensation, often reaching the $177,286–$214,013 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Edmonds metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Edmonds 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 Edmonds
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedEdmonds ranks #28 of 49 Washington cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $214,013).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Edmonds ($214,013) is 4.3% below the Washington average P90 ($223,627).
2019 BLS Actual
$199,553
2025 BLS Actual
$207,860
2026 Current Est.
$214,013
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Edmonds (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $199,553 | Actual |
| 2020 | $201,311 | Actual |
| 2021 | $197,795 | Actual |
| 2022 | $196,808 | Actual |
| 2023 | $209,834 | Actual |
| 2024 | $229,255 | Actual |
| 2025 | $207,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $214,013 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $220,347 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Edmonds saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $199,553 in 2019 to $207,860 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 $220,347 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edmonds 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 Edmonds
Senior optometrists in Edmonds can expect varying compensation depending on their specific area of expertise and employer type. Specializations such as ocular disease, pediatric optometry, and low vision rehabilitation not only demand mastery but also command premium pay due to the advanced skills required. The distinction in compensation is apparent across different employment settings: private practices tend to offer higher salary potential than retail optical chains, which are increasingly consolidating under large corporate umbrellas. Furthermore, career advancement pathways exist for experienced practitioners, including roles as practice owners or partners in OD/MD models, which can offer additional financial benefits through revenue-sharing arrangements. Essential for boosting salary prospects are credentials like the OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution, NBEO certification, and optional residency training in sought-after fields. Employment terms and non-salary aspects, including equity stakes in practice ownership or surgical collaboration in an OD/MD setting, also play a pivotal role in compensation for seasoned optometrists in WA.
More salary data for Edmonds, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Edmonds in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Edmonds?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Edmonds?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Edmonds?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Edmonds?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 $207,860 for optometrists in the Edmonds 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 Edmonds 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