Optometrist salary in Salem, OR
Optometrists in the Salem, OR metro area earn a median of $134,590 a year ($64.71 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $105,140 for the lowest-paid 10% to $159,110 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $136,570. Pay here is 2% higher than the Oregon statewide median of $132,020. There are 0.29 optometrists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $135,890, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for optometrists in Salem, OR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $105,140 | $50.55 |
| 25th percentile | $130,390 | $62.69 |
| Median | $134,590 | $64.71 |
| 75th percentile | $144,800 | $69.62 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $159,110 | $76.49 |
| Average (mean) | $135,890 | $65.33 |
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 | $11,215.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,607.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $5,176.54 |
| Weekly | $2,588.27 |
| Hourly | $64.71 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $136,250 | 350 |
| Bend, OR | $129,810 | 40 |
| Eugene-Springfield, OR | $125,760 | 40 |
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 Oregon statewide figures.
Related jobs in Salem, OR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $131,750 | $63.34 |
| Physicians, All Other | $373,970 | $179.79 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $162,600 | $78.17 |
| Physical Therapist | $99,970 | $48.06 |
| Dental Hygienist | $119,050 | $57.24 |
| Pharmacist | $169,210 | $81.35 |
| Physician Assistant | $144,190 | $69.32 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $295,170 | $141.91 |
| Dentists, General | $212,310 | $102.07 |
| Occupational Therapist | $109,700 | $52.74 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $104,360 | $50.18 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $102,360 | $49.21 |
| Veterinarian | $130,330 | $62.66 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $89,220 | $42.90 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Salem, OR
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 Salem, OR?
The median salary for optometrists in the Salem, OR metro area is $134,590 a year, or $64.71 an hour. Pay ranges from $105,140 for the lowest-paid 10% to $159,110 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid optometrists make in Salem, OR?
The top 10% of optometrists in the Salem, OR metro area earn at least $159,110 a year. The top 25% earn $144,800 or more.
What is the starting pay for optometrists in Salem, OR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $105,140 a year, and a quarter of optometrists earn $130,390 or less.
How many optometrists work in Salem, OR?
About 60 optometrists are employed in the Salem, OR metro area, not counting the self-employed.