Average Optometrists Salary in Oregon
Optometrists in Oregon earn an average annual salary of $122,340, which is below the national average of $141,560. This difference in compensation is often influenced by a combination of local economic factors, the specific demand for eye care services within the state, and the overall cost of doing business for healthcare providers in Oregon.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $122,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $163,660.
- Outlook: Oregon's market for optometrists appears stable, with a total local workforce of 560 professionals. The location quotient of 1.04 suggests a slightly higher concentration of optometrists in Oregon compared to the national average, indicating a steady, if not slightly elevated, demand for these specialized healthcare providers within the state's population.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in Oregon earns-13.6%below the national average.
$58.8
$2,353
$10,195
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for optometrists in Oregon, as in most specialized healthcare fields, have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by increasing demand for eye care services, advancements in optometric technology, and general inflation, leading to a consistent rise in average compensation.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in Oregon
The career trajectory for optometrists in Oregon typically shows significant salary growth with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain experience, develop specialized skills, and potentially move into practice ownership or leadership roles, their earning potential increases substantially. The salary distribution reflects these percentile gaps, with senior optometrists commanding higher salaries than their early-career counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $77,990 | $37.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $91,755 | $44.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $119,980 | $57.7 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $152,925 | $73.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $163,660 | $78.7 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$122,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$106,290
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
While the average annual salary for optometrists in Oregon is $122,340, the state's cost of living index stands at 115.1, meaning it is 15.1% higher than the national average. This suggests that the purchasing power of an optometrist's salary in Oregon is somewhat diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living, requiring careful financial planning to maintain a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
560
Total Jobs
0.283
Per 1K Jobs
1.04
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.04, Oregon has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Optometrists roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.04, Oregon exhibits a job market for optometrists that is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a balanced market where the number of optometrists is slightly more prevalent than the national ratio, suggesting a competitive but accessible environment for both new entrants and established professionals seeking opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Optometrists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bend, OR Optometrists Salary | $119,200↓ 3% | 52 mi |
| Salem, OR Optometrists Salary | $121,160↓ 1% | 53 mi |
| Eugene-Springfield, OR Optometrists Salary | $123,030↑ 1% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near Oregon
Hiring Optometristss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in Oregon?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Oregon is $122,340. This typically ranges from $77,990 for entry-level positions to $163,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Oregon is 13.6% lower than the national median of $141,560.
Is Oregon a lucrative place for Optometrists?
Moderately, with caveats.Oregon offers a solid average salary for optometrists, though it falls below the national average. The higher cost of living means the take-home value of the salary is slightly reduced compared to national benchmarks.
Is Oregon a good place to live for Optometrists?
The Cost of Living Index in Oregon is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Oregon?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bend, OR ($119,200) and Salem, OR.
How does Oregon's optometrist salary compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Oregon earn an average of $122,340 annually, which is approximately $19,220 less than the national average of $141,560.
What is the concentration of optometrists in Oregon?
Oregon has a location quotient of 1.04 for optometrists, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect an optometrist's salary in Oregon?
Oregon's cost of living is 15.1% higher than the national average, meaning the $122,340 salary has less purchasing power than it would in a lower-cost area.
What is the total number of optometrists employed in Oregon?
There are approximately 560 optometrists employed within the state of Oregon.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 560 employees in the Oregon area with a job density of 0.283 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Optometrists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Oregon
- All Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Management Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Production Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Oregon
- Browse All Jobs in Oregon →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Optometrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Oregon