Optometrist Salary in Fountain, CO: $140,184 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Fountain, CO earns a median $140,184/year (≈ $67.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Fountain's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $133,509 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $140,184 in 2026, Fountain, CO, offers optometrists competitive pay in line with national averages. Salaries in the area range significantly from $81,306 at the lower end (P10) to $204,144 for those at the higher end (P90), indicating a diverse job market. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, point to the potential for optometrists in Fountain to benefit from the growing trend of surgical co-management with ophthalmologists, which can enhance revenue streams. This dynamic is crucial in a city where the focus on advanced optometry practices complements the availability of local job opportunities, especially for those pursuing a focus in ocular disease management or those with residency training.
About the Fountain Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,306 | $39.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,998 | $54.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,184 | $67.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,267 | $81.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $204,144 | $98.14 |
Median Salary Position
0.3% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fountain
In Fountain, CO, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,838 (2026 est.). At $140,184, the local median is 0.3% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fountain: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fountain Optometrist Pay Compares
Fountain median: $140,184/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fountain Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $147,718 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -0.30% less |
Optometrists in Fountain, CO earn a median of $140,184 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.30% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.10% below the Colorado state average of $147,718.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fountain has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fountain, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $140,184 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $133,509 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,899
2025 BLS Actual
$136,154
2026 Current Est.
$140,184
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Fountain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,899 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,690 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,921 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,207 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,458 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,573 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,154 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,184 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,334 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fountain metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $114,899 (2019) to $136,154 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,334 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,435 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fountain 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $81,306 – $113,998 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,998 – $140,184 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,184 – $169,267 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,267 – $204,144 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Fountain
Looking deeper into the Fountain job market, there are currently four employed optometrists, and their compensation must be viewed through the lens of a cost of living index sitting slightly above the national average at 105. This index suggests that while earning potential is promising, the purchasing power may be tempered by local living expenses. Employers vary widely in salary offerings; those in private practices or those operating an OD/MD model generally pay more than retail chains such as Visionworks or Walmart Vision. Factors contributing to the wide pay range include the ownership structure of practices, partnerships with ophthalmologists, and variations in residency training that can impact earnings potential. Aspiring optometrists in Fountain might optimize their pay by seeking positions that offer equity stakes or by aligning with practices offering advanced services; pursuing continuing education in areas of expanded scope-of-practice could further enhance their appeal in this niche market.
More salary data for Fountain, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $136,154 for optometristsin the Fountain metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fountain 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