Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Claremore, OK: $69,082 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Claremore, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,082 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Claremore's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,708 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($119,107) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the optometry field in Claremore, Oklahoma, the starting optometrist salary is projected to be around $69,082 in 2026, significantly lower than the median annual salary of $119,107 for optometrists in the city. This gap highlights the earnings trajectory for entry-level optometrists, who can generally expect to earn between $69,082 and $164,395 as they gain experience. Within the first three to five years, a new grad might realistically aim for the 25th percentile salary of $96,151, offering a clearer pathway to achieving the city median as they build their clinical skills and patient base. Overall, Claremore presents a promising market for those embarking on their optometric careers, particularly with a growth rate of 2.96% projected over the next five years.
About the Claremore Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Claremore
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 Claremore
Entry-level optometrists in Claremore, OK typically start between $69,082 and $96,151 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $95,313 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $119,107 — 15.29% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Oklahoma of $125,000 represents just 180.94% of the starting optometrist pay ($69,082/year) in Claremore. 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 Claremore
- 1Research the Claremore market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $69,082 to $96,151, 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 OK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Claremore, 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 Claremore for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Claremore's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Optometrist Compensation Range
The optometrist wage spread in Claremore is $95,313 ( 137.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,082, experienced hygienists can earn up to $164,395.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,053
2025 BLS Actual
$67,096
2026 Current Est.
$69,082
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Claremore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,053 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,442 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,195 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,697 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,233 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,955 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,096 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,082 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,127 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Claremore, OK grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,053 in 2019 to $67,096 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,127. New graduates entering the Claremore job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Claremore 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 Claremore
In Claremore, various employers are seeking new graduates, primarily retail chains such as LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr, which often provide structured ramp-up programs for recent optometry school graduates. While traditional private practice routes require a higher buy-in from associates, partnerships with VA systems and residency-trained ODs can also lead to fulfilling career paths. New graduates should prioritize obtaining credentials that enhance their marketability, including a Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited school, passing all NBEO Parts, and obtaining state licensure. As optometry expands its scope to include glaucoma management and oral medications in many states, the ability to offer these services can command higher starting pay. New grad optometrists in this area should realistically anticipate salary growth as they navigate their first one to three years in the market, potentially increasing their compensation as demand for comprehensive care continues to rise.
More salary data for Claremore, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Claremore in 2026?
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Is optometry school worth it in Claremore?
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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 Claremore. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Claremore 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