Optometrist Salary in New Mexico
Based on 130+ workers in New Mexico
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (NM)
$144,660
$69.55/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
+6.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$88K – $203K
130 employed in New Mexico
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in New Mexico
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $88,160 |
| 25th percentile | $109,260 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $144,660 |
| 75th percentile | $178,060 |
| 90th percentile | $202,980 |
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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New Mexico) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $155,060 |
| 2024 | $154,630 |
| 2025 | $144,660 |
| 2026 (projected) | $144,660 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New Mexico Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $155,060 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $154,630 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $144,660 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $144,660 | $136,108 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in New Mexico
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $109,260 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $144,660 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $178,060 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $202,980 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in New Mexico
How other high-demand occupations in New Mexico compare to Optometrist ($144,660 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NM | $405,130 | +180.1% | $194.77/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in NM | $393,970 | +172.3% | $189.41/hr |
| Surgeon in NM | $363,940 | +151.6% | $174.97/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NM | $259,990 | +79.7% | $125.00/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NM | $228,040 | +57.6% | $109.63/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NM | $227,730 | +57.4% | $109.49/hr |
| Podiatrist in NM | $202,690 | +40.1% | $97.45/hr |
| Pediatrician in NM | $202,390 | +39.9% | $97.30/hr |
| Dentist in NM | $155,260 | +7.3% | $74.64/hr |
| Pharmacist in NM | $147,000 | +1.6% | $70.67/hr |
| Physician Assistant in NM | $139,920 | -3.3% | $67.27/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in NM | $137,520 | -4.9% | $66.12/hr |