Salary distribution
Where Washington optometrists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $130,470 and $172,430, with a median of $157,650.
Optometrists in Washington: actual employer-disclosed pay
Public records from 5 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. Median offered wage: $150,000. Every figure below is an actual offered salary an employer attested to under federal law.
By DOL wage level
DOL classifies every offer into one of four wage levels based on the role's experience and skill requirements.
| Level | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|
| Level I — entry | 2 | $153,370 |
| Level II — qualified | 2 | $136,854 |
| Level III — experienced | 1 | $150,000 |
Top employers filing for this role
Companies with the most certified filings for Optometrists in Washington. Median offer is across all of that employer's filings.
| Employer | Most-filed title | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Stephen Nevett and Associates, P.C. | Optometrist | 2 | $136,854 |
| Doctor's Exchange of Washington, P.C. | Optometrist | 2 | $153,370 |
| Vision Health PS | Associate OD | 1 | $150,000 |
Recent sample filings
A snapshot of recent certified offers. Each line is a real, public, verifiable record.
- Optometrist at Dr. Stephen Nevett and Associates, P.C.$130,707SeattleWage Level IIDecided Jun 10, 2025I-200-25154-045468
- Optometrist at Doctor's Exchange of Washington, P.C.$150,739LynnwoodWage Level IDecided May 22, 2025I-200-25135-982894
- Associate OD at Vision Health PS$150,000TumwaterWage Level IIIDecided May 14, 2025I-200-25127-949303
- Optometrist at Dr. Stephen Nevett and Associates, P.C.$143,000LynnwoodWage Level IIDecided Feb 7, 2025I-200-25031-659137
- Optometrist at Doctor's Exchange of Washington, P.C.$156,000PuyallupWage Level IDecided Dec 20, 2024I-200-24348-542428
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Foreign Labor Certification. Disclosed wages reflect what employers attested to pay; actual paid wages may differ. Only certified filings are shown — denied and withdrawn cases are excluded.
Optometrists pay by experience level in Washington
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Washington over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.8 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Biology
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 4.1 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.
- 02
Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
- 03
Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
- 04
Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
- 05
Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
- 06
Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
- 07
Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
- 08
Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+7.9%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Metro-level salary data for optometrists in major Washington metropolitan areas.
- Seattle$162,820
Compare Optometrists pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Optometrists in Washington?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Optometrists in Washington is $157,650.
- How does Washington compare to the national median for Optometrists?
- The Washington median is +19.6% versus the BLS national figure of $131,844.
- What is the salary range for Optometrists in Washington?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $114,460 and the 90th-percentile at $211,020, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Optometrists a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 7.9% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Optometrists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.