Optometrist Salary in Northglenn, CO: $140,046 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Northglenn, CO earns a median $140,046/year (≈ $67.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Northglenn's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $133,377 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Northglenn, Colorado, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $140,046 in 2026, a figure that is slightly below the national median of $140,612 for the same year. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, with annual earnings falling between $81,227 at the 10th percentile (P10) and $203,682 at the 90th percentile (P90). These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data and adjusted to 2026 projections based on regional economic factors. The growing scope of practice in Colorado, which includes treatment of glaucoma and the administration of oral medications, positively impacts compensation levels and job demand, shaping the optometry job market in Northglenn.
About the Northglenn Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,227 | $39.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,722 | $54.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,046 | $67.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $168,942 | $81.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $203,682 | $97.93 |
Median Salary Position
0.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Northglenn
In Northglenn, CO, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,455 (2026 est.). At $140,046, the local median is 0.4% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Northglenn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Northglenn Optometrist Pay Compares
Northglenn median: $140,046/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Northglenn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $147,572 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -0.40% less |
Optometrists in Northglenn, CO earn a median of $140,046 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.40% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.10% below the Colorado state average of $147,572.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Northglenn has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Northglenn, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $140,046 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $133,377 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,786
2025 BLS Actual
$136,020
2026 Current Est.
$140,046
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Northglenn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,786 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,575 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,799 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,084 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,329 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,436 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,046 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,192 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Northglenn metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $114,786 (2019) to $136,020 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,192 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,406 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northglenn 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) | $81,227 – $113,722 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,722 – $140,046 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,046 – $168,942 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $168,942 – $203,682 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Northglenn
With only nine optometrists currently employed in the Northglenn area, the local job market remains competitive yet stable. The cost of living index at 105 indicates that while things may be slightly above the national average, salaries are competitively aligned to accommodate this. Among local employers, private optometry practices often offer higher pay than retail chains like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision, primarily due to potential equity in practice ownership and specialized knowledge. Factors such as residency training in ocular disease or partnerships in an OD/MD model with surgical revenue sharing can create disparities in pay. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Northglenn, developing skills in advanced treatment options and seeking employment in independent practices rather than retail chains may yield better financial returns in the long run.
More salary data for Northglenn, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Northglenn?
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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 $136,020 for optometristsin the Northglenn 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 Northglenn 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