Optometrist Salary in Alaska
Based on 60+ workers in Alaska
Median Annual Salary (AK)
$170,310
$81.88/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
+25.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$99K – $218K
60 employed in Alaska
Optometrist salary in Alaska averages $165,830 annually, placing the profession 26% above the national average. With approximately 70 optometrists currently employed throughout the state, Alaska offers competitive compensation for eye care professionals. The salary range spans from $43,000 to $236,860, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence optometrist compensation in Alaska. Geographic location within the state, years of experience, and practice setting—whether independent practice, corporate clinic, or hospital-based—substantially impact earnings. Additionally, specialized certifications, patient caseload, and the local demand for vision services contribute to salary differences. The state's remote areas and higher cost of living may also drive increased compensation for practitioners willing to serve underserved communities.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Alaska
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $98,530 |
| 25th percentile | $134,480 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $170,310 |
| 75th percentile | $203,510 |
| 90th percentile | $218,180 |
Top-Paying Industries for Optometrist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Optometrists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Optometrists in Alaska tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $166,410 | 60 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $160,100 | — |
| Retail Trade | $159,250 | 6K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $134,370 | 36K |
| Educational Services | $124,280 | 110 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Optometrist in Alaska vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alaska) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $168,780 |
| 2023 | $155,230 |
| 2024 | $165,830 |
| 2025 | $170,310 |
| 2026 (projected) | $174,911 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alaska Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $168,780 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $155,230 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $165,830 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $170,310 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $174,911 | $139,785 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Alaska
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $134,480 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $170,310 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $203,510 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $218,180 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Alaska
How other high-demand occupations in Alaska compare to Optometrist ($170,310 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in AK | $452,620 | +165.8% | $217.61/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AK | $421,450 | +147.5% | $202.62/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AK | $366,080 | +114.9% | $176.00/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AK | $342,170 | +100.9% | $164.50/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AK | $341,210 | +100.3% | $164.04/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AK | $323,490 | +89.9% | $155.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in AK | $267,390 | +57.0% | $128.55/hr |
| Dentist in AK | $230,990 | +35.6% | $111.05/hr |
| Pharmacist in AK | $167,310 | -1.8% | $80.44/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AK | $155,170 | -8.9% | $74.60/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AK | $150,700 | -11.5% | $72.45/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in AK | $133,430 | -21.7% | $64.15/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Alaska?
- Optometrists in Alaska earn a median salary of $165,830 per year, or approximately $80 per hour. This is 26% higher than the national average for optometrists, making Alaska one of the more lucrative states for this profession.
What is the salary range for optometrists in Alaska?
- Optometrist salaries in Alaska range from $43,000 at the low end to $236,860 at the high end, reflecting significant variation based on experience, location within the state, and individual practice success.
Is optometry a well-paid job in Alaska compared to the US?
- Yes, optometrists in Alaska earn significantly more than the national average, with a +26.0% salary premium. The median Alaska salary of $165,830 per year makes it an attractive state for optometrists seeking above-average compensation.
How many optometrists are employed in Alaska?
- There are approximately 70 optometrists currently employed in Alaska, representing a relatively small but established professional workforce in the state.