Optometrist Salary in Klamath Falls, OR: $132,906 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Klamath Falls, OR earns a median $132,906/year (≈ $63.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Klamath Falls's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $129,538 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Klamath Falls, Oregon, the optometrist salary reflects regional economic conditions and employment structures, with a median annual salary of $132,906 in 2026. This salary figure is bolstered by a wide range where entry-level positions earn approximately $79,023, while the highest earners can make around $187,519. These estimates come from projections based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost of living, which hovers slightly above the national average. For optometrists in the area, practice ownership can significantly influence compensation. Those who own their practices often see higher salary potentials compared to employed associates or those working in retail chains, which is particularly relevant given the local market dynamics.
About the Klamath Falls Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,023 | $37.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,988 | $52.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,906 | $63.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $158,251 | $76.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,519 | $90.15 |
Median Salary Position
5.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Klamath Falls
In Klamath Falls, OR, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,496 (2026 est.). At $132,906, the local median is 5.48% below the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Klamath Falls: You'd be above the median
How Klamath Falls Optometrist Pay Compares
Klamath Falls median: $132,906/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Klamath Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $144,306 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -5.48% less |
Optometrists in Klamath Falls, OR earn a median of $132,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.48% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 7.90% below the Oregon state average of $144,306.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Klamath Falls has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Klamath Falls, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $132,906 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $129,538 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,933
2025 BLS Actual
$129,085
2026 Current Est.
$132,906
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Klamath Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,933 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,580 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,487 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,707 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,633 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,436 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,085 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,906 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,840 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Klamath Falls metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $108,933 (2019) to $129,085 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,840 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,907 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Klamath 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $79,023 – $109,988 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,988 – $132,906 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,906 – $158,251 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $158,251 – $187,519 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Klamath Falls
The job market for optometrists in Klamath Falls remains stable, with only four optometrists currently employed in the area, creating a closely-knit professional community. The cost of living index stands at 102.6, indicating that while salaries are slightly lower than the national average, the overall living expenses are manageable. The highest-paying opportunities tend to be found in private optometry practices, especially those that adopt an OD/MD model, where optometrists work in collaboration with ophthalmologists, allowing for more complex cases and additional revenue streams. Various factors contribute to the salary discrepancies, such as practice ownership equity and specialized training. To optimize earnings, pursuing residency training in ocular disease or establishing a solo practice could be beneficial strategies within the Klamath Falls optometry market.
More salary data for Klamath Falls, OR:
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 $129,085 for optometristsin the Klamath Falls 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 Klamath 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