Healthcare Idaho (ID) Rank #29 of 50

Optometrist Salary in Idaho

The median optometrist salary in Idaho is $115,543 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $125,590.

Median Salary
$115,543
vs National
$-10,047
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
94%

Optometrist Salary Overview in Idaho (2026)

Idaho ranks #29 out of 50 states for optometrist compensation. Optometrist salaries in Idaho are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $115,543 per year, optometrists in Idaho earn $10,047 less than the national median of $125,590.

A key advantage of working in Idaho is its below-average cost of living (94% of the national index). This means the $115,543 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $122,918 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Idaho is significant: optometrists at the 10th percentile earn $71,760, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $176,640 — a $104,880 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Idaho for this role is Boise, where the median reaches $123,078.

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for optometrists across the country.

Optometrist Salary in Idaho by Experience

In Idaho, an entry-level optometrist earns around $75,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $163,760 per year. The cost of living index in Idaho is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,760
$-10,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$163,760
$-14,240 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Idaho

Percentile ID Salary
10th Percentile $71,760
25th Percentile $92,000
Median (50th) $115,543
75th Percentile $145,360
90th Percentile $176,640

Optometrist Salary by City in Idaho

The largest employment areas for optometrists in Idaho include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Idaho Falls. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Optometrist in Idaho

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Idaho has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook in Idaho

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Idaho's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Idaho

How much does a Optometrist make in Idaho? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Idaho is $115,543 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $71,760 (10th percentile) to $176,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Idaho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $115,543, a optometrist in Idaho earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Idaho a good state for optometrists? ▼
Idaho ranks #29 out of 50 states for optometrist pay. The cost of living index is 94% of the national average. Entry-level optometrists earn $75,440, while senior professionals earn $163,760.
How does Idaho compare to other states for optometrist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for optometrists is Hawaii at $223,550. Idaho's median of $115,543 ranks #29 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Georgia ($116,799) and Montana ($116,799).
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Idaho? ▼
An entry-level optometrist in Idaho earns approximately $75,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $117,760. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $163,760.
What city in Idaho pays optometrists the most? ▼
Boise is the highest paying city in Idaho for optometrists, with a median salary of $123,078. Other cities include Meridian and Nampa.