Optometrist Salary in Arizona
Based on 1K+ workers in Arizona
Median Annual Salary (AZ)
$122,250
$58.77/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
-10.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$100K – $171K
1K employed in Arizona
Optometrist salary in Arizona averages $122,250 per year, according to current employment data. However, this figure falls approximately 10% below the national average for the profession. Currently, around 1,080 optometrists work throughout Arizona, with individual salaries ranging from $99,570 to $171,490 annually, reflecting significant variation across the state.
Several factors influence optometrist compensation in Arizona, including years of experience, practice setting, and geographic location within the state. Optometrists working in major metropolitan areas typically earn more than those in rural regions. Additionally, factors such as specialization, clientele demographics, and whether an optometrist operates an independent practice or works for an established facility can substantially affect earning potential and career growth.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $99,570 |
| 25th percentile | $104,480 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $122,250 |
| 75th percentile | $165,030 |
| 90th percentile | $171,490 |
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 Arizona 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 Arizona vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arizona) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $119,080 |
| 2023 | $133,500 |
| 2024 | $134,430 |
| 2025 | $122,250 |
| 2026 (projected) | $122,250 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arizona Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $119,080 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $133,500 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $134,430 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $122,250 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $122,250 | $136,108 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $104,480 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $122,250 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $165,030 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $171,490 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Arizona
How other high-demand occupations in Arizona compare to Optometrist ($122,250 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in AZ | $470,640 | +285.0% | $226.27/hr |
| Surgeon in AZ | $415,980 | +240.3% | $199.99/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AZ | $369,720 | +202.4% | $177.75/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AZ | $292,760 | +139.5% | $140.75/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AZ | $259,320 | +112.1% | $124.67/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AZ | $249,720 | +104.3% | $120.06/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AZ | $248,660 | +103.4% | $119.55/hr |
| Pediatrician in AZ | $233,950 | +91.4% | $112.48/hr |
| Dentist in AZ | $194,180 | +58.8% | $93.36/hr |
| Veterinarian in AZ | $152,020 | +24.4% | $73.09/hr |
| Pharmacist in AZ | $146,930 | +20.2% | $70.64/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in AZ | $140,960 | +15.3% | $67.77/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Arizona?
- Optometrists in Arizona earn a median salary of $122,250 per year, or $59 per hour. This is approximately 10.2% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for optometrists in Arizona?
- Optometrist salaries in Arizona range from $99,570 at the lower end to $171,490 at the higher end, depending on experience, location, and practice type.
How many optometrists are employed in Arizona?
- There are approximately 1,080 optometrists currently employed in Arizona.
Is the optometrist salary in Arizona lower than the national average?
- Yes, Arizona's median optometrist salary of $122,250 is 10.2% below the national average, making it a relatively lower-paying state for this profession compared to the U.S. as a whole.