Optometrists Salary in Seattle, WA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Median annual salary $162,820 +20.8% vs national
Median hourly $78.28
10th percentile $130,020
90th percentile $212,980
Employed locally 550
National median $134,830

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Optometrists
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Seattle, WA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $130,020
    25th
    $135,130
    50th (median)
    $162,820
    75th
    $173,370
    90th
    $212,980

    Seattle economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $112,594 2023 • Census ACS
    Optometrists salary vs area income 145% Median Optometrists salary is 45% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Optometrists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN $176,930
    Asheville, NC $167,980
    Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area $166,920
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $165,870
    Alaska $165,830
    Reno, NV $165,060

    Nearby metros — Optometrists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $163,320
    New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $160,520
    Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY $160,390
    Washington $157,650
    Kennewick-Richland, WA $151,320
    Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC $150,010

    Related occupations in Seattle, WA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses$118,570
    Pharmacy Technicians$59,960
    Pharmacists$165,270
    Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$73,490
    Physicians, All Other$330,560
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$80,480

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Optometrists make per hour in Seattle?

    The median hourly wage for Optometrists in Seattle, WA is $78.28, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $109.39 or more per hour.

    Is Seattle above or below average for Optometrists salaries?

    The median Optometrists salary in Seattle, WA is 20.8% above the national median of $134,830. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Optometrists in Seattle?

    Entry-level Optometrists (10th percentile) earn around $130,020 per year in Seattle, WA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $135,130.