Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Broomfield, CO: $84,665 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Broomfield, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,665 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Broomfield's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,633 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($145,390) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduating from an optometry program and seeking your first position can be exciting, especially in a market like Broomfield, Colorado. In 2026, entry-level optometrists can expect a starting salary around $84,665, significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $145,390 for established professionals. As new graduates transition into their careers, they may work their way up through different pay tiers, with realistic growth from the initial P10 salary towards the P25 bracket of $119,208 within the first few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.96% in the field, Broomfield represents a promising environment for recent optometry graduates to begin their practices.
About the Broomfield Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Broomfield
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 Broomfield
Entry-level optometrists in Broomfield, CO typically start between $84,665 and $119,208 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $132,537 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $145,390 — 3.4% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Colorado of $160,000 represents just 188.98% of the starting optometrist pay ($84,665/year) in Broomfield. 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 Broomfield
- 1Research the Broomfield market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $84,665 to $119,208, 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 CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Broomfield, 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 Broomfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Broomfield'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 Broomfield is $132,537 ( 156.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,665, experienced hygienists can earn up to $217,202.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,020
2025 BLS Actual
$82,231
2026 Current Est.
$84,665
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Broomfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,020 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,723 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,645 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,369 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,958 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,231 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,665 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,171 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Broomfield, CO grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,020 in 2019 to $82,231 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,171. New graduates entering the Broomfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Broomfield 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 Broomfield
When considering employment opportunities, various organizations in Broomfield actively hire new optometry graduates. Retail chains like LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr are often open to entry-level hires and provide structured onboarding processes. Alternatively, physicians' offices may focus on residency-trained optometrists, particularly for complex cases. Furthermore, graduates seeking positions in private practices may encounter requirements for buy-in or partnership commitments. As many states expand optometry practices to include glaucoma management and oral medications, additional credentials, such as a residency or specific training, can enhance earning potential. New ODs should aim for continuous professional development to stay competitive in this evolving field. With strategic networking and skill enhancement, realistic salary growth is achievable within the first few years of practice in Broomfield, thus solidifying a successful future in optometry.
More salary data for Broomfield, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Broomfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Broomfield 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