Healthcare Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Optometrist Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median optometrist salary in Albuquerque, NM is $116,799 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$116,799
vs State Avg
+$2,512
vs National
$-8,791
Cost of Living
95%

Optometrist Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median optometrist salary of $116,799, which is $2,512 above the New Mexico state average of $114,287. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for optometrists in Albuquerque spans from $72,540 at the 10th percentile to $178,560 at the 90th percentile — a $106,020 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,260, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $165,540. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Optometrist Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level optometrist earns around $76,260, while experienced professionals earn up to $165,540 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,260
$-5,740 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$119,040
$-8,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$165,540
$-12,460 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $72,540
25th Percentile $93,000
Median (50th) $116,799
75th Percentile $146,940
90th Percentile $178,560

Optometrist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$135,637
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$113,031
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$108,007
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$100,472
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Optometrist in Albuquerque

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico 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 Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open optometrist positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Optometrist make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $116,799 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $72,540 (10th percentile) to $178,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $116,799, a optometrist in Albuquerque earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median optometrist salary of $116,799 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $114,287. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $116,799 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Albuquerque? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Albuquerque 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.