Healthcare Rio Rancho, NM Pop. 104,046

Optometrist Salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

The median optometrist salary in Rio Rancho, NM is $113,031 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$113,031
vs State Avg
$-1,256
vs National
$-12,559
Cost of Living
92%

Optometrist Pay in Rio Rancho: What to Expect (2026)

Rio Rancho offers a median optometrist salary of $113,031, which is $1,256 below the New Mexico state average of $114,287. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Rio Rancho pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rio Rancho's cost of living is 92% 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 Rio Rancho spans from $70,200 at the 10th percentile to $172,800 at the 90th percentile — a $102,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,800, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $160,200. With a population of 104,046, Rio Rancho is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Rio Rancho by Experience

In Rio Rancho, an entry-level optometrist earns around $73,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $160,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,800
$-8,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,200
$-12,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$160,200
$-17,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rio Rancho, NM

Percentile Rio Rancho
10th Percentile $70,200
25th Percentile $90,000
Median (50th) $113,031
75th Percentile $142,200
90th Percentile $172,800

Optometrist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$135,637
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$116,799
Pop. 564,559
Las Cruces, NM
$108,007
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$100,472
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Optometrist in Rio Rancho

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Rio Rancho

Browse open optometrist positions in Rio Rancho, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Rio Rancho

How much does a Optometrist make in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico is $113,031 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $70,200 (10th percentile) to $172,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Rio Rancho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $113,031, a optometrist in Rio Rancho earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rio Rancho compare to the New Mexico state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Rio Rancho's median optometrist salary of $113,031 is 1.1% below the New Mexico state average of $114,287. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
Rio Rancho has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $113,031 in Rio Rancho has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Rio Rancho? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Rio Rancho 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.