Senior Optometrist Salary in Billings, MT: $202,209 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Billings, MT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $202,209/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Billings's price premium (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $210,196 in average-cost America. The 48% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For senior optometrists in Billings, MT, the opportunities for lucrative earnings are significant, particularly for those reaching the apex of their careers. In 2026, top earners will find themselves within the 90th percentile, with salaries reaching an impressive $202,209. This figure reflects the experience premium that separates the median annual salary of $137,059 from the highest pay grades. To reach such top-tier compensation in this market, optometrists often require extensive training and specialization, with paths leading through advanced residencies in ocular disease, pediatric optometry, or unique areas like sports vision. Such advanced qualifications can lead to increased demand and higher salaries, positioning these professionals competitively against national rates, even as Billings's top optometrist salary remains slightly below the national median of $140,612.
About the Billings Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billings
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Billings earn between $165,573 and $202,209 per year (2026 est.). This $122,715 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Billings median of $137,059 sits 2.53% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Billings | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $137,059 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,573 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $202,209 | $208,165 |
In Billings, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 47.53% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Billings
Advanced Certifications in Montana
MT optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $137,059 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Billings employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Billings command premium compensation, often reaching the $165,573–$202,209 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Billings metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Billings with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Optometrists in Montana who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Optometrist Career & Wage Growth Path in Billings
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBillings ranks #1 of 7 Montana cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $202,209).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Billings ($202,209) is 3.18% above the Montana average P90 ($195,981).
2019 BLS Actual
$146,650
2025 BLS Actual
$196,396
2026 Current Est.
$202,209
2019–2027 Growth
+42.0%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $146,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,680 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,080 | Actual |
| 2022 | $142,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $176,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $166,440 | Actual |
| 2025 | $196,396 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $202,209 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $208,195 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Billings saw their compensation grow 33.9% from $146,650 in 2019 to $196,396 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.96% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $208,195 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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.
Maximizing Your Optometrist Earnings in Billings
At the senior level, compensation for optometrists can vary significantly based on specialization and the nature of their employment. In Billings, optometrists focusing on ocular disease and pediatric care can command particularly high pay, often reflecting the necessity of additional training and expertise. Within the employment spectrum, private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups may offer different financial packages compared to retail chains such as LensCrafters or Walmart Vision. Those operating in an OD/MD model may also benefit from surgical referral revenues, augmenting their earnings. While credentials like an OD from an ACOE-accredited institution are fundamental, pursuing fellowship training or earning additional certifications—such as in glaucoma management—can further enhance pay potential. Equity stakes in practice ownership, consulting, and leadership roles within the AOA can provide alternative forms of non-salary compensation, cementing these positions as lucrative paths within optometry in Montana.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Billings in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Billings?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Billings?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Billings?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Billings?
Related Pages
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $196,396 for optometrists in the Billings metro area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Billings 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