Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Kingman, AZ: $81,090 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Kingman, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,090 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kingman's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,325 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($133,955) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kingman, Arizona, the starting optometrist salary for new graduates in 2026 is projected to be $81,090. This figure reflects a significant entry point in the profession, with the city's median annual salary for optometrists reaching $133,955. This creates a gap of over $52,000, indicating potential growth as new graduates typically progress through their early career stages. Over the first three to five years, entry-level optometrists in Kingman can realistically expect to see their salaries approach the $108,933 mark, aligning more closely with the city’s median. Overall, current market conditions in Kingman provide a moderately attractive opportunity for new optometry graduates, especially as the demand for eye care professionals continues to rise.
About the Kingman Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kingman
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kingman
Entry-level optometrists in Kingman, AZ typically start between $81,090 and $108,933 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $113,982 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $133,955 — 4.73% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Arizona of $150,000 represents just 184.98% of the starting optometrist pay ($81,090/year) in Kingman. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOE-accredited Doctor of Optometry programs. Public school OD programs offer lower in-state tuition, while private institutions carry higher out-of-pocket costs. Totals reflect tuition and fees for the 4-year professional program; clinical rotation travel and living costs add to the total cost of attendance.
OD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Kingman
- 1Research the Kingman market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $81,090 to $108,933, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the optometry field — employers in AZ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kingman, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Kingman for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kingman's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Optometrist Compensation Range
The optometrist wage spread in Kingman is $113,982 ( 140.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,090, experienced hygienists can earn up to $195,072.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,275
2025 BLS Actual
$78,759
2026 Current Est.
$81,090
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Kingman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,275 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,906 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,789 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,378 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,355 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,593 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,759 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,090 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,491 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Kingman, AZ grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,275 in 2019 to $78,759 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,491. New graduates entering the Kingman job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingman metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your optometry Career in Kingman
In terms of employment opportunities for new grads in Kingman, various establishments actively seek emerging optometrists. Retail chains like LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr are known for hiring new graduates, often providing structured training programs that facilitate a smoother transition into professional practice. OD/MD practices may also recruit residency-trained optometrists, while certain roles in the VA system favor candidates who complete residency programs. As new optometrists consider their credentials, obtaining an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited school, passing all parts of the NBEO, and securing a state license are essential steps. Some also opt for additional specialization through further education, such as residencies in ocular disease or glaucoma, which can enhance starting pay. Realistic salary growth expectations during the first few years hinge on proficiency in expanding scopes of practice, including glaucoma management and oral medication, which are gaining prominence as the industry evolves.
More salary data for Kingman, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Kingman in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in Kingman?
Is optometry school worth it in Kingman?
What do new optometrists make right out of school in Kingman?
How do I become a optometrist in Arizona?
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new optometry graduates. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Kingman. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kingman is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov