Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Great Falls, MT: $76,888 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Great Falls, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,888 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Great Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,925 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($132,566) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates embarking on their careers as optometrists in Great Falls, Montana can expect starting salaries reflecting the regional market dynamics. In 2026, an entry-level optometrist's salary in the early stages can begin at around $76,888. Compared to the overall city median of $132,566, this starting figure highlights a significant gap of nearly $55,678, positioning new optometrists below the local average. However, early-career professionals have a promising growth trajectory, with potential earnings advancing to approximately $102,763 as they gain experience within their first few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.96%, Great Falls presents a favorable market for new graduates seeking to establish themselves in optometry, as demand in the area and expanding scopes of practice create pathways for professional advancement.
About the Great Falls Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Great Falls
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 Great Falls
Entry-level optometrists in Great Falls, MT typically start between $76,888 and $102,763 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $124,868 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $132,566 — 5.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Montana of $140,000 represents just 182.08% of the starting optometrist pay ($76,888/year) in Great Falls. 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 Great Falls
- 1Research the Great Falls market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $76,888 to $102,763, 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 MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Great Falls, 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 Great Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Great Falls'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 Great Falls is $124,868 ( 162.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,888, experienced hygienists can earn up to $201,756.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,048
2025 BLS Actual
$74,678
2026 Current Est.
$76,888
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,048 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,594 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,432 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,991 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,813 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,228 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,678 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,888 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,164 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Great Falls, MT grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,048 in 2019 to $74,678 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,164. New graduates entering the Great Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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 Great Falls
When considering entry-level positions, several notable employers in Great Falls actively recruit new graduates in optometry. Retail chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks commonly offer structured onboarding programs, making them excellent options for recent optometry students. Additionally, collaboration with organizations such as the VA system, which often facilitates residency pathways, creates alternative opportunities for recent graduates. Credentials such as earning an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution—along with passing the NBEO Parts I-III and obtaining state licensure—are essential for competitive starting pay in Montana. Many new optometrists also benefit from pursuing additional certifications, such as glaucoma and oral pharmaceutical agent (TPA) certifications. While retail employment may seem less attractive with recent shifts toward private equity acquisitions, targeting private practices or residency opportunities can yield better salary growth while adapting to the evolving scope of practice.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
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 Great Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Great Falls 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