Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Evans, CO: $82,064 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Evans, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,064 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Evans's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,156 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($136,736) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new optometrists entering the workforce in Evans, Colorado, can expect to start with a salary around $82,064. This entry-level figure is approximately 40% lower than the city’s median annual salary of $136,736, which suggests room for growth over time. For recent graduates, the trajectory from entry-level to more substantial earnings is promising; within the first few years, many can anticipate moving up to $114,037, as they gain experience and establish their clientele. Overall, Evans presents a favorable market for new graduates, particularly given the projected annual growth rate of 2.96%, indicating a steady demand for optometric services in the region.
About the Evans Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Evans
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 Evans
Entry-level optometrists in Evans, CO typically start between $82,064 and $114,037 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $112,545 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $136,736 — 2.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Colorado of $160,000 represents just 194.97% of the starting optometrist pay ($82,064/year) in Evans. 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 Evans
- 1Research the Evans market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $82,064 to $114,037, 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 Evans, 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 Evans for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Evans'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 Evans is $112,545 ( 137.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,064, experienced hygienists can earn up to $194,609.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,023
2025 BLS Actual
$79,705
2026 Current Est.
$82,064
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Evans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,023 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,673 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,567 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,164 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,176 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,961 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,705 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,064 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,493 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Evans, CO grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,023 in 2019 to $79,705 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,493. New graduates entering the Evans job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evans 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 Evans
New graduates should consider various employment avenues in Evans to maximize their starting optometrist salary and career potential. Retail chains like LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr recruit a significant number of entry-level optometrists, offering structured onboarding processes that can support recent graduates in their transition to practice. Additionally, opportunities exist in the VA system that focus on residents, as well as private practices where associate roles may require a financial commitment or buy-in. Holding credentials from an accredited optometry school (such as an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution) and completing the NBEO Parts I-III can elevate a new grad optometrist's employability. Continued education, including a residency in ocular disease or pediatric optometry, can also enhance starting pay. While entry-level salaries may be modest, growth is achievable as the profession’s scope of practice expands, particularly with the inclusion of glaucoma management and oral medications across most states. For new ODs in Evans, strategic career planning and skill enhancement during the first few years can lead to better opportunities and substantial salary increases.
More salary data for Evans, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Evans in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in Evans?
Is optometry school worth it in Evans?
What do new optometrists make right out of school in Evans?
How do I become a optometrist in Colorado?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Evans. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Evans 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