Average Optometrists Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Optometrists in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area earn an impressive average annual salary of $149,430, surpassing the national average of $141,560. This elevated compensation is likely driven by a combination of specialized demand within the region and the overall economic vitality of the Denver metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $149,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $238,540.
- Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial area supports a local workforce of 540 Optometrists, indicating a stable and established presence in the healthcare sector. With a Location Quotient of 1.24, the concentration of these professionals is higher than the national average, suggesting robust demand and a potentially thriving job market for skilled optometrists.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+5.6%above the national average.
$71.8
$2,874
$12,453
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Optometrists in Denver-Aurora-Centennial have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing healthcare compensation driven by an aging population and advancements in eye care technology.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Career progression for Optometrists in Denver-Aurora-Centennial typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level positions to senior roles. The gap between the lower and higher percentiles of earnings signifies substantial opportunities for advancement and specialization, rewarding experience and expertise within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $66,790 | $32.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $112,073 | $53.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $155,200 | $74.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $186,788 | $89.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $238,540 | $114.7 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$149,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$149,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $149,430 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, Optometrists relocating to Denver-Aurora-Centennial can expect their nominal earnings to translate directly to purchasing power. This indicates a favorable financial environment where compensation aligns well with the general cost of goods and services in the area.
Job Market Context
540
Total Jobs
0.336
Per 1K Jobs
1.24
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.24, Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Optometrists roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.24 for Optometrists in Denver-Aurora-Centennial signifies a concentration of these professionals that is 24% higher than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where demand is strong enough to support a larger-than-average pool of practitioners, potentially leading to more specialized opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Optometrists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Optometrists Salary | $179,930↑ 20% | 27 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Optometrists Salary | $120,020↓ 20% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Hiring Optometristss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $149,430. This typically ranges from $66,790 for entry-level positions to $238,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 5.6% higher than the national median of $141,560.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Optometrists?
Yes, Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is a lucrative location for Optometrists.Optometrists here earn significantly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Optometrists?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($179,930) and Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial Optometrist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Optometrists in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is $149,430, which is higher than the national average of $141,560.
What is the concentration of Optometrists in Denver-Aurora-Centennial compared to the nation?
The Location Quotient of 1.24 indicates that Optometrists are 24% more concentrated in Denver-Aurora-Centennial than the national average, suggesting higher local demand.
Does the cost of living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial affect the value of an Optometrist's salary?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial translates directly to greater purchasing power compared to the national average.
How many Optometrists are employed in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area?
There are approximately 540 Optometrists employed within the Denver-Aurora-Centennial metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 0.336 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Optometrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO