Optometrist Salary in Colorado
Based on 880+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$152,000
$73.08/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
+11.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $212K
880 employed in Colorado
Optometrist salary in Colorado averages $152,000 per year, positioning the state well above the national median. With approximately 880 optometrists currently employed in Colorado, the profession offers competitive compensation. Salaries in the state range from $65,910 to $212,120 annually, reflecting the significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence optometrist compensation across Colorado, including years of experience, practice setting, and geographic location within the state. Whether working in private practice, retail environments, or healthcare facilities can substantially impact earning potential. Additionally, specializations, patient volume, and business ownership all play roles in determining final salary outcomes for professionals in this field.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,910 |
| 25th percentile | $110,020 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $152,000 |
| 75th percentile | $169,190 |
| 90th percentile | $212,120 |
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 Colorado 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 Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $128,950 |
| 2023 | $136,900 |
| 2024 | $137,370 |
| 2025 | $152,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $161,120 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $128,950 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $136,900 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $137,370 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $152,000 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $161,120 | $144,274 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $110,020 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $152,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $169,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $212,120 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Optometrist ($152,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in CO | $344,270 | +126.5% | $165.51/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CO | $299,990 | +97.4% | $144.23/hr |
| Psychiatrist in CO | $266,370 | +75.2% | $128.06/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CO | $265,560 | +74.7% | $127.67/hr |
| Pediatrician in CO | $196,440 | +29.2% | $94.44/hr |
| Dentist in CO | $166,240 | +9.4% | $79.92/hr |
| Pharmacist in CO | $156,030 | +2.7% | $75.01/hr |
| Podiatrist in CO | $142,620 | -6.2% | $68.57/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CO | $137,610 | -9.5% | $66.16/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in CO | $134,910 | -11.2% | $64.86/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CO | $134,540 | -11.5% | $64.68/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CO | $132,930 | -12.5% | $63.91/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Colorado?
- The median salary for optometrists in Colorado is $152,000 per year, or approximately $73 per hour. This is 11.7% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for optometrists in Colorado?
- Optometrist salaries in Colorado range from $65,910 at the lower end to $212,120 at the upper end, reflecting variations based on experience, location within the state, and individual practice success.
Is optometry a well-paying career in Colorado?
- Yes, optometry is well-compensated in Colorado, with a median salary of $152,000 annually that exceeds the national average by 11.7%. This makes Colorado a favorable state for optometrists compared to most other locations.
How many optometrists are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 880 optometrists currently employed in Colorado, indicating a stable professional community in the state.