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Average Optometrists Salary in Washington

Optometrists in Washington state earn an impressive average annual salary of $159,450, significantly surpassing the national average of $141,560. This elevated compensation reflects the state's robust economy and the specialized demand for eye care professionals, contributing to a higher pay scale compared to other regions.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $159,450 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $211,020.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 930 Optometrists and a Location Quotient of 0.97, Washington presents a stable, albeit slightly below national average concentration, job market for these professionals. The presence of a substantial workforce indicates consistent demand and opportunities within the state's healthcare sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$159,450

The average Optometrists in Washington earns+12.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$76.7

Weekly

$3,066

Monthly

$13,288

Optometrists Salary Distribution in Washington

Career progression for Optometrists in Washington is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a significant salary gap that signifies substantial career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$114,460$55
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$119,588$57.5
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$157,650$75.8
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$199,313$95.8
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$211,020$101.5

Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$159,450

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$138,532

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

While the average annual salary of $159,450 is attractive, the Cost of Living Index in Washington stands at 115.1, meaning expenses are about 15.1% higher than the national average. This suggests that while nominal earnings are high, the purchasing power of an Optometrist's salary in Washington needs to be considered in the context of these elevated living costs.

Job Market Context

930

Total Jobs

0.264

Per 1K Jobs

0.97

Location Quotient

Below Average

Washington 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.

Washington's Location Quotient of 0.97 indicates that the concentration of Optometrists is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the supply of optometrists aligns well with the demand, implying a competitive yet accessible environment for both new entrants and established professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Optometrists

CitySalaryDist.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Optometrists Salary$168,620↑ 6%42 mi
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Optometrists Salary$141,260↓ 11%70 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrists make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Washington is $159,450. This typically ranges from $114,460 for entry-level positions to $211,020 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 12.6% higher than the national median of $141,560.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Optometrists?

Yes, Washington is a lucrative state for Optometrists.Optometrists in Washington earn significantly above the national average salary. While the cost of living is higher, the substantial average income provides strong earning potential.

Is Washington a good place to live for Optometrists?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($168,620) and Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA.

What is the average salary for an Optometrist in Washington?

The average annual salary for an Optometrist in Washington is $159,450.

How does Washington's Optometrist salary compare to the national average?

Optometrists in Washington earn approximately $17,890 more annually than the national average of $141,560.

What is the Cost of Living in Washington compared to the national average?

Washington's Cost of Living Index is 115.1, which is 15.1% higher than the national average of 100.

How concentrated is the Optometrist job market in Washington?

Washington has a Location Quotient of 0.97 for Optometrists, indicating a job market concentration very close to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 930 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.264 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 Washington