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Average Optometrists Salary in Montana

The average salary for Optometristss in Montana is $114,630. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Montana may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $114,630 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $166,440.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Optometristss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 150 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Montana economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$114,630

The average Optometrists in Montana earns-19.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$55.1

Weekly

$2,204

Monthly

$9,553

Optometrists Salary Distribution in Montana

The earning potential for Optometristss in Montana varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.9x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $57,920, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $166,440.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$57,920$27.8
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$85,973$41.3
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$108,600$52.2
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$143,288$68.9
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$166,440$80

Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$114,630

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$107,231

Adjusted for COL (106.9)

In Montana, the Cost of Living Index is 106.9. This reduces your effective purchasing power from $114,630 to $107,231.

Job Market Context

150

Total Jobs

0.293

Per 1K Jobs

1.08

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.08, Montana has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Optometrists roles compared to the national norm.

150 people work as Optometrists in Montana.

Only 0.293 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Optometrists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Optometristss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrists make in Montana?

The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Montana is $114,630. This typically ranges from $57,920 for entry-level positions to $166,440 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Montana is 19.0% lower than the national median of $141,560.

Is Montana a good place for Optometristss?

It depends on your priorities. While the average Optometrists salary in Montana is $114,630 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Montana. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Montana a good place to live for Optometrists?

The Cost of Living Index in Montana is 106.9. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 150 employees in the Montana area with a job density of 0.293 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Optometrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Montana