Average Optometrists Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Optometrists in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $168,620, significantly surpassing the national average of $141,560. This elevated compensation reflects the region's robust economy and the specialized demand for skilled eye care professionals within this metropolitan hub.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $168,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $212,980.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 550 Optometrists and a Location Quotient of 0.97, the job market in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue indicates a healthy, albeit slightly below national average, concentration of these professionals. This suggests a stable demand for optometrists, with the existing workforce size supporting the needs of the population without an oversupply.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+19.1%above the national average.
$81.1
$3,243
$14,052
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Optometrist salaries in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare demands, technological advancements in optometry, and inflation likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation for these specialized roles.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Career progression for Optometrists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical salary range suggests that experienced professionals, particularly those with specialized skills or in leadership roles, can command salaries well above the average, reflecting their accumulated expertise and value.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $130,020 | $62.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $126,465 | $60.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $162,820 | $78.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $210,775 | $101.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $212,980 | $102.4 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$168,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$168,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $168,620 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by Optometrists in this region offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
550
Total Jobs
0.264
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.97x the national average concentration of Optometrists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.97 for Optometrists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue suggests that the concentration of these professionals is very close to the national average. This indicates a competitive yet balanced job market, where demand is met by a supply of professionals that closely mirrors national proportions, offering good opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Optometrists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Optometrists Salary | $152,510↓ 10% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Optometrists Salary | $141,260↓ 16% | 47 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Optometristss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $168,620. This typically ranges from $130,020 for entry-level positions to $212,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 19.1% higher than the national median of $141,560.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Optometrists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Optometrists.Optometrists in this region earn approximately $27,000 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the area financially advantageous for the profession.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Optometrists?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area ($152,510) and Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Optometrist salary compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue earn an average of $168,620 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $141,560.
What is the cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA for Optometrists?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated are Optometrists in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area?
The concentration of Optometrists, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.97, indicating a presence very close to the national average.
What is the total number of Optometrists in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area?
There are approximately 550 Optometrists employed within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue 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 550 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 0.264 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA