Optometrist Salary in Bellingham, WA: $150,889 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Bellingham, WA earns a median $150,889/year (≈ $72.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Bellingham's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $140,493 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bellingham, WA, the anticipated median annual optometrist salary for 2026 is $150,889, which represents a compelling figure when compared to the national median of $140,612. The local salary range (P10 to P90) spans from $87,516 to $230,198, reflecting various employment settings including private practices, retail chains, and potential ownership models. With 13 optometrists currently employed in the city, the choice between practice ownership or working as an associate in retail chains significantly influences compensation levels. These projected figures are derived from state-level data and adjust accordingly for regional cost factors, reinforcing the financial potential for optometrists in Bellingham amidst the evolving dynamics of the industry.
About the Bellingham Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,516 | $42.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,299 | $56.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $150,889 | $72.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $181,440 | $87.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $230,198 | $110.67 |
Median Salary Position
7.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bellingham
In Bellingham, WA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $142,682 (2026 est.). At $150,889, the local median is 7.31% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bellingham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bellingham Optometrist Pay Compares
Bellingham median: $150,889/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bellingham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $151,040 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +7.31% more |
Optometrists in Bellingham, WA earn a median of $150,889 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.31% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 0.10% below the Washington state average of $151,040.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bellingham has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bellingham, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $150,889 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $140,493 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$144,660
2025 BLS Actual
$146,551
2026 Current Est.
$150,889
2019–2027 Growth
+7.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $144,660 | Actual |
| 2020 | $148,890 | Actual |
| 2021 | $133,384 | Actual |
| 2022 | $134,769 | Actual |
| 2023 | $141,497 | Actual |
| 2024 | $158,817 | Actual |
| 2025 | $146,551 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,889 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,355 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bellingham metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 1.3% from $144,660 (2019) to $146,551 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,355 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,695 (7.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellingham 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) | $87,516 – $117,299 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,299 – $150,889 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $150,889 – $181,440 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $181,440 – $230,198 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Bellingham
The job market for optometrists in Bellingham reveals both strengths and challenges stemming from local dynamics and cost-of-living considerations, which sit at an index of 107.4. While the number of professionals may seem modest, the spread in earnings reflects substantial variations driven by practice types and experience. Notably, private optometry practices and ophthalmology clinics often offer higher pay, especially for those with residency training in ocular disease. As private practices increasingly pivot towards private equity ownership, understanding employment terms becomes vital for maximizing compensation. For an aspiring or current optometrist, pursuing additional certifications or exploring options in more lucrative practice settings can enhance financial prospects while navigating the market landscape of Bellingham, WA.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Bellingham, WA in 2026?
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Can optometrists make $100K in Bellingham?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Bellingham?
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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 $146,551 for optometristsin the Bellingham 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 Bellingham 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