Senior Optometrist Salary in Rawlins, WY: $182,256 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Rawlins, WY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $182,256/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Rawlins's price premium (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $190,246 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior optometrists in Rawlins, Wyoming, can expect a promising financial outlook with salaries reflecting the upper tiers of the profession. In 2026, the top earners—those at the 90th percentile—are projected to bring in as much as $182,256, while the 75th percentile will earn $145,510. This significant income potential highlights the experience premium that seasoned professionals command, especially when considering the median annual salary in Rawlins is $127,249. Achieving top-tier pay here requires not only extensive clinical experience but also advanced credentials and specializations that set these optometrists apart in the competitive market. The disparity between median earnings and the high-end salaries underscores the potential for seasoned optometrists who exceed the typical practice expectations.
About the Rawlins Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rawlins
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Rawlins earn between $145,510 and $182,256 per year (2026 est.). This $108,451 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rawlins median of $127,249 sits 9.5% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Rawlins | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $127,249 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $145,510 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $182,256 | $208,165 |
In Rawlins, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 43.23% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Rawlins
Advanced Certifications in Wyoming
WY optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $127,249 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rawlins employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Rawlins command premium compensation, often reaching the $145,510–$182,256 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rawlins metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Rawlins 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 Wyoming 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 Rawlins
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRawlins ranks #4 of 14 Wyoming cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $182,256).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Rawlins ($182,256) is 0.54% below the Wyoming average P90 ($183,252).
2019 BLS Actual
$169,942
2025 BLS Actual
$177,016
2026 Current Est.
$182,256
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Rawlins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $169,942 | Actual |
| 2020 | $171,439 | Actual |
| 2021 | $168,444 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,604 | Actual |
| 2023 | $178,697 | Actual |
| 2024 | $169,382 | Actual |
| 2025 | $177,016 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $182,256 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $187,650 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Rawlins saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $169,942 in 2019 to $177,016 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 $187,650 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rawlins 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 Rawlins
Compensation for experienced optometrists in Rawlins often varies based on specific specializations and practice settings. Ocular disease, pediatric optometry, and contact lens management regularly yield higher salaries, as they require additional training and residency experience. At the senior level, the type of employer also significantly influences pay; private practices, particularly those with an OD/MD model, may offer greater compensation compared to retail optical chains. Advancement to practice owner, multi-location operator, or consulting roles can further elevate earnings. Essential credentials—including an OD from an ACOE-accredited school, passing the NBEO Parts I-III, and various certifications—are crucial for maximizing salary potential in this market. Non-salary compensation factors, such as equity in practice ownership and revenue-sharing models with ophthalmologists, are also worth considering for those eyeing higher earnings in the optometry field in Rawlins.
More salary data for Rawlins, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Rawlins in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Rawlins?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Rawlins?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Rawlins?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Rawlins?
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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 $177,016 for optometrists in the Rawlins 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 Rawlins 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