Healthcare Anchorage, AK Pop. 291,247

Optometrist Salary in Anchorage, Alaska

The median optometrist salary in Anchorage, AK is $164,523 per year, which is 31.0% above the national median and 1.6% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$164,523
vs State Avg
+$2,512
vs National
+$38,933
Cost of Living
126%

Optometrist Pay in Anchorage: What to Expect (2026)

Anchorage offers a median optometrist salary of $164,523, which is $2,512 above the Alaska state average of $162,011. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Anchorage pays above average for this role.

However, Anchorage's cost of living index is 126%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $164,523 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $130,574. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Anchorage should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for optometrists in Anchorage spans from $102,180 at the 10th percentile to $251,520 at the 90th percentile — a $149,340 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $107,420, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $233,180. With a population of 291,247, Anchorage is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Anchorage by Experience

In Anchorage, an entry-level optometrist earns around $107,420, while experienced professionals earn up to $233,180 per year. The local cost of living index is 126% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$107,420
+$25,420 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$167,680
+$39,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$233,180
+$55,180 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Anchorage, AK

Percentile Anchorage
10th Percentile $102,180
25th Percentile $131,000
Median (50th) $164,523
75th Percentile $206,980
90th Percentile $251,520

Optometrist Salary in Other Alaska Cities

Juneau, AK
$175,826
Pop. 32,255
Sitka, AK
$172,058
Pop. 8,458
Fairbanks, AK
$169,547
Pop. 32,325
Wasilla, AK
$154,476
Pop. 12,000

How to Become a Optometrist in Anchorage

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Anchorage and the surrounding Alaska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Anchorage may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Anchorage

Browse open optometrist positions in Anchorage, AK:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Anchorage

How much does a Optometrist make in Anchorage, AK? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Anchorage, Alaska is $164,523 per year, which is 31.0% above the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $102,180 (10th percentile) to $251,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Anchorage? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $164,523, a optometrist in Anchorage earns approximately $79 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Anchorage compare to the Alaska state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Anchorage's median optometrist salary of $164,523 is 1.6% above the Alaska state average of $162,011. The local cost of living index is 126% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Anchorage, AK? ▼
Anchorage has a cost of living index of 126% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $164,523 in Anchorage has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Anchorage? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Anchorage require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.