Optometrists Salary in Washington
Optometrists in Washington earn a median annual wage of $157,560 —15.4% above the national median of $136,570. That ranks WA #8 of 51 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is only 0.78× as concentrated as the national average — this occupation is relatively scarce in Washington.
Highest-paying states for optometrists
All 51 states ranked by median annual wage. Washington is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $170,310 | $81.88 | 60 | 0.67 |
| 2 | Maryland | $165,840 | $79.73 | 780 | 1.02 |
| 3 | North Carolina | $161,560 | $77.67 | 1,140 | 0.84 |
| 4 | Delaware | $161,270 | $77.54 | 190 | 1.39 |
| 5 | New York | $161,140 | $77.47 | 2,390 | 0.90 |
| 6 | New Jersey | $159,040 | $76.46 | 1,380 | 1.17 |
| 7 | Minnesota | $158,700 | $76.30 | 710 | 0.88 |
| 8 | Washington | $157,560 | $75.75 | 760 | 0.78 |
| 9 | Hawaii | $154,620 | $74.34 | 230 | 1.32 |
| 10 | Maine | $154,110 | $74.09 | 180 | 1.02 |
Related occupations in Washington
Occupations in the same job family, compared within Washington.
| Occupation | Washington median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | $124,200 | $97,550 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $83,150 | $64,400 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | $58,900 | $45,750 |
| Physicians, All Other | $307,170 | $265,930 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $72,760 | $62,930 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $156,100 | $132,300 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do optometrists make in Washington?
The median annual wage for optometrists in Washington is $157,560, or $75.75 per hour. That is 15.4% above the national median of $136,570.
What is the entry-level optometrists salary in Washington?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $103,880 per year ($49.94/hour). The 25th percentile is $126,730.
How many people work as optometrists in Washington?
About 760 people work in this occupation in Washington, or 0.2 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is Washington a good state for optometrists?
Washington ranks #8 of 51 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is only 0.78x as concentrated as the national average, so this occupation is relatively scarce in Washington.
Which state pays optometrists the most?
Alaska has the highest median wage at $170,310 per year, followed by Maryland ($165,840) and North Carolina ($161,560).