Optometrist Salary in Parker, CO: $146,348 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Parker, CO earns a median $146,348/year (≈ $70.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Parker's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $139,379 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Parker, Colorado, can expect a median annual salary of $146,348, reflecting a 4.08% increase compared to the national median of $140,612. The local salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning about $84,882 (10th percentile) and more experienced practitioners making upwards of $220,930 (90th percentile). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost factors, suggest that the choice of practice structure—whether as owners of private practices, employed associates, or working within retail chains—can greatly influence earning potential. Furthermore, the local job market supports only 14 optometrists, indicating a competitive environment where practice ownership or specialized roles may drive salary growth.
About the Parker Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,882 | $40.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,943 | $56.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $146,348 | $70.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $180,153 | $86.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $220,930 | $106.21 |
Median Salary Position
4.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Parker
In Parker, CO, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $136,048 (2026 est.). At $146,348, the local median is 4.08% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Parker: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Parker Optometrist Pay Compares
Parker median: $146,348/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Parker Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $147,677 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +4.08% more |
Optometrists in Parker, CO earn a median of $146,348 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.08% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.90% below the Colorado state average of $147,677.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Parker has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Parker, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $146,348 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $139,379 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,951
2025 BLS Actual
$142,141
2026 Current Est.
$146,348
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Parker (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,951 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,866 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,370 | Actual |
| 2022 | $130,713 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,239 | Actual |
| 2024 | $145,710 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,141 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $146,348 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150,680 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Parker metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $119,951 (2019) to $142,141 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $150,680 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,729 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Parker 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) | $84,882 – $117,943 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,943 – $146,348 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $146,348 – $180,153 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $180,153 – $220,930 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Parker
An analysis of the job market dynamics in Parker reveals that the cost of living is above the national average, with a cost of living index at 105. This inflation in living expenses affects take-home pay for optometrists, making it necessary to consider various employment options wisely. Typically, private practices tend to offer higher compensation, especially those with an OD/MD model that enables collaboration with ophthalmologists, generating a revenue share from surgical referrals. Additionally, those who have completed residency training—especially in ocular disease or the VA pathway—often command higher salaries. To maximize pay within the Parker market, strategizing for practice ownership or pursuing opportunities in high-paying private practices over retail chains may be advantageous, especially as the broader employment scene evolves with private equity acquisitions reshaping traditional practice dynamics.
More salary data for Parker, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Parker?
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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 $142,141 for optometristsin the Parker 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 Parker 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