Optometrist Salary in Lacey, WA: $145,740 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Lacey, WA earns a median $145,740/year (≈ $70.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Lacey's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $135,698 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lacey, Washington, optometrists have a promising earning outlook, driven by the growing trend of OD/MD model surgical co-management. This collaborative approach can significantly boost revenue, contributing to a median annual salary of $145,740 in 2026, which is above the national median of $140,612. Salaries in Lacey span a wide range, with the lowest 10% earning approximately $84,529, while the top 10% can command as much as $222,203. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living variations, providing a pertinent snapshot for those considering optometrist careers in this region. The local job market for optometrists reflects a solid demand, indicating favorable conditions for employment possibilities in the area.
About the Lacey Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,529 | $40.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118,991 | $57.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $145,740 | $70.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,311 | $82.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222,203 | $106.83 |
Median Salary Position
3.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lacey
In Lacey, WA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $137,674 (2026 est.). At $145,740, the local median is 3.65% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lacey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lacey Optometrist Pay Compares
Lacey median: $145,740/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lacey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $151,026 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +3.65% more |
Optometrists in Lacey, WA earn a median of $145,740 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.65% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 3.50% below the Washington state average of $151,026.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lacey has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lacey, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $145,740 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $135,698 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,453
2025 BLS Actual
$141,550
2026 Current Est.
$145,740
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Lacey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,453 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,355 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,833 | Actual |
| 2022 | $130,170 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,668 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,072 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,550 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,740 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150,054 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lacey metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $119,453 (2019) to $141,550 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $150,054 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,601 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lacey 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) | $84,529 – $118,991 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $118,991 – $145,740 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $145,740 – $172,311 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,311 – $222,203 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Lacey
With 12 optometrists currently employed in Lacey, the local job market demonstrates a reliable demand for eye care professionals. However, the cost of living index in Lacey stands at 107.4, which is slightly above the national average and signifies that take-home purchasing power may be impacted. In this landscape, private optometry practices, particularly those integrating into the OD/MD model, often have the capacity to offer the most competitive salaries, tapping into surgical referral revenue. The disparity between lower and higher salaries can be attributed to several factors, including practice ownership equity, residency training in ocular disease, and the employment terms in private equity-owned practices. To maximize pay, aspiring optometrists in Lacey should consider obtaining residency training and align themselves with practices that offer surgical co-management opportunities while staying informed about market trends, which can further enhance their earning potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for Lacey, WA:
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 $141,550 for optometristsin the Lacey 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 Lacey 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