Optometrist Salary in Idaho
Based on 160+ workers in Idaho
Median Annual Salary (ID)
$103,390
$49.71/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
-24.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$52K – $190K
160 employed in Idaho
The median optometrist salary in Idaho is $103,390 per year, with approximately 160 optometrists currently employed in the state. This figure represents a notable gap compared to national earnings, sitting about 24% below the national average. Salaries in Idaho's optometry field range from $52,000 to $189,570 annually, reflecting considerable variation among practitioners.
Several factors influence optometrist salary in Idaho, including experience level, practice setting, and geographic location within the state. Optometrists working in rural areas or smaller communities may earn differently than those in larger metropolitan regions. Additionally, whether an optometrist operates an independent practice, works for a larger optical chain, or is employed by a healthcare facility can significantly impact earning potential and compensation structure.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Idaho
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,000 |
| 25th percentile | $64,610 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $103,390 |
| 75th percentile | $155,100 |
| 90th percentile | $189,570 |
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 Idaho 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 Idaho vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Idaho) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $85,110 |
| 2023 | $82,790 |
| 2024 | $66,880 |
| 2025 | $103,390 |
| 2026 (projected) | $109,593 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Idaho Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $85,110 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $82,790 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $66,880 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $103,390 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $109,593 | $144,274 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Idaho
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,610 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $103,390 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $155,100 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $189,570 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Idaho
How other high-demand occupations in Idaho compare to Optometrist ($103,390 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist in ID | $449,990 | +335.2% | $216.34/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in ID | $355,390 | +243.7% | $170.86/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in ID | $347,160 | +235.8% | $166.90/hr |
| Pediatrician in ID | $297,680 | +187.9% | $143.12/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in ID | $263,130 | +154.5% | $126.50/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in ID | $223,560 | +116.2% | $107.48/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in ID | $221,430 | +114.2% | $106.46/hr |
| Surgeon in ID | $211,490 | +104.6% | $101.68/hr |
| Pharmacist in ID | $144,900 | +40.1% | $69.66/hr |
| Physician Assistant in ID | $133,790 | +29.4% | $64.32/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in ID | $132,540 | +28.2% | $63.72/hr |
| Podiatrist in ID | $124,610 | +20.5% | $59.91/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Idaho?
- The median salary for optometrists in Idaho is $103,390 per year, or $50 per hour. This is 24% below the national average for the profession, making Idaho a lower-paying state for this career.
What is the salary range for optometrists in Idaho?
- Optometrist salaries in Idaho range from a low of $52,000 to a high of $189,570 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and individual practice success.
How many optometrists work in Idaho?
- There are approximately 160 optometrists employed in Idaho. This relatively small workforce suggests limited job opportunities compared to larger states.
Is an optometrist salary in Idaho competitive?
- No, optometrist salaries in Idaho are not competitive nationally, coming in 24% below the national average at $103,390 median annually. Job seekers considering Idaho should factor in this significant pay difference compared to other states.