Senior Optometrist Salary in Everett, WA: $237,427 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Everett, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $237,427/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Everett's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $221,068 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Everett, WA, top-tier compensation for senior optometrists is highly lucrative, with the 2026 projected salary reaching an impressive $237,427 for those at the 90th percentile. This amount significantly outstrips the national top earning potential, elevating Everett's reputation as a competitive market for advanced optometry professionals. The median annual salary for experienced optometrists sits at $153,461, illustrating a considerable gap to the highest earners and clearly reflecting the experience premium that rewards seasoned practitioners in the field. Achieving this level of income requires a strategic approach, including specializing in high-demand areas, nurturing a strong patient base, and building relationships within the local healthcare community for referrals and collaboration.
About the Everett Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Everett
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Everett earn between $191,814 and $237,427 per year (2026 est.). This $148,420 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Everett median of $153,461 sits 9.14% above the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Everett | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $153,461 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $191,814 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $237,427 | $208,165 |
In Everett, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 54.71% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Everett
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $153,461 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Everett employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Everett command premium compensation, often reaching the $191,814–$237,427 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Everett metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Everett 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 Everett
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedEverett ranks #3 of 49 Washington cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $237,427).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Everett ($237,427) is 6.17% above the Washington average P90 ($223,627).
2019 BLS Actual
$221,385
2025 BLS Actual
$230,601
2026 Current Est.
$237,427
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Everett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $221,385 | Actual |
| 2020 | $223,336 | Actual |
| 2021 | $219,435 | Actual |
| 2022 | $218,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $232,791 | Actual |
| 2024 | $250,362 | Actual |
| 2025 | $230,601 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $237,427 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $244,455 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Everett saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $221,385 in 2019 to $230,601 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 $244,455 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Everett 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 Everett
Specializations greatly influence compensation dynamics in Everett, particularly for those engaged in ocular disease management, pediatric optometry, and advanced areas like vision therapy. Senior optometrists in Everett find variations in pay depending on their employer type, with private practices often offering equity incentives while retail chains like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision may have different financial structures influencing overall compensation. Many experienced professionals advance into leadership roles such as practice owners or multi-location operators, enhancing their income through innovative management and strategic partnerships. Additional qualifications, such as an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution and optional residency training in ocular disease or pediatric care, can further elevate earning potential. As the field continues to evolve, having advanced credentials can differentiate optometrists, especially in the face of expanding treatment options like glaucoma management and oral pharmaceutical therapies.
More salary data for Everett, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Everett in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Everett?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Everett?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Everett?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Everett?
Related Pages
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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 $230,601 for optometrists in the Everett 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 Everett 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