Optometrist salary in Boulder, CO
Optometrists in the Boulder, CO metro area earn a median of $153,500 a year ($73.80 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $85,160 for the lowest-paid 10% to $214,820 for the top 10%. That is 12% higher than the national median of $136,570. Pay here is 1% higher than the Colorado statewide median of $152,000. There are 0.29 optometrists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $160,800, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for optometrists in Boulder, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $85,160 | $40.94 |
| 25th percentile | $118,870 | $57.15 |
| Median | $153,500 | $73.80 |
| 75th percentile | $176,190 | $84.71 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $214,820 | $103.28 |
| Average (mean) | $160,800 | $77.31 |
Half of optometrists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $12,791.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $6,395.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $5,903.85 |
| Weekly | $2,951.92 |
| Hourly | $73.80 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Optometrist salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $163,240 | 80 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $158,130 | 470 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $131,980 | 100 |
Highest-paying states for optometrists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $170,310 |
| Maryland | $165,840 |
| North Carolina | $161,560 |
| Delaware | $161,270 |
| New York | $161,140 |
| New Jersey | $159,040 |
| Minnesota | $158,700 |
| Washington | $157,560 |
| Hawaii | $154,620 |
| Maine | $154,110 |
See Optometrist pay in every state or the Colorado statewide figures.
Related jobs in Boulder, CO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $103,290 | $49.66 |
| Physical Therapist | $102,430 | $49.24 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $131,620 | $63.28 |
| Dental Hygienist | $130,000 | $62.50 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $138,820 | $66.74 |
| Physician Assistant | $136,540 | $65.64 |
| Occupational Therapist | $123,490 | $59.37 |
| Pharmacist | $164,240 | $78.96 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $297,070 | $142.82 |
| Veterinarian | $132,020 | $63.47 |
| Dentists, General | $180,440 | $86.75 |
| Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | $211,600 | $101.73 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $91,880 | $44.17 |
| Chiropractor | $71,840 | $34.54 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Boulder, CO
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-1041. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a optometrist make in Boulder, CO?
The median salary for optometrists in the Boulder, CO metro area is $153,500 a year, or $73.80 an hour. Pay ranges from $85,160 for the lowest-paid 10% to $214,820 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid optometrists make in Boulder, CO?
The top 10% of optometrists in the Boulder, CO metro area earn at least $214,820 a year. The top 25% earn $176,190 or more.
What is the starting pay for optometrists in Boulder, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $85,160 a year, and a quarter of optometrists earn $118,870 or less.
How many optometrists work in Boulder, CO?
About 60 optometrists are employed in the Boulder, CO metro area, not counting the self-employed.