Optometrist Salary in Washington
Based on 760+ workers in Washington
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$157,560
$75.75/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
+15.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$104K – $218K
760 employed in Washington
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $103,880 |
| 25th percentile | $126,730 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $157,560 |
| 75th percentile | $171,200 |
| 90th percentile | $217,900 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $132,370 |
| 2023 | $143,160 |
| 2024 | $157,650 |
| 2025 | $157,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $157,560 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $132,370 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $143,160 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $157,650 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $157,560 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $157,560 | $136,108 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $126,730 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $157,560 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $171,200 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $217,900 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Optometrist ($157,560 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in WA | $656,330 | +316.6% | $315.54/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in WA | $499,990 | +217.3% | $240.38/hr |
| Surgeon in WA | $479,460 | +204.3% | $230.51/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in WA | $380,870 | +141.7% | $183.11/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in WA | $343,140 | +117.8% | $164.97/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in WA | $340,010 | +115.8% | $163.47/hr |
| Psychiatrist in WA | $304,920 | +93.5% | $146.60/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in WA | $292,900 | +85.9% | $140.82/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in WA | $274,390 | +74.1% | $131.92/hr |
| Podiatrist in WA | $232,970 | +47.9% | $112.00/hr |
| Dentist in WA | $169,730 | +7.7% | $81.60/hr |
| Pediatrician in WA | $169,540 | +7.6% | $81.51/hr |