Healthcare Bellevue, WA Pop. 151,854

Optometrist Salary in Bellevue, Washington

The median optometrist salary in Bellevue, WA is $195,920 per year, which is 56.0% above the national median and 31.1% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$195,920
vs State Avg
+$46,468
vs National
+$70,330
Cost of Living
152%

Optometrist Pay in Bellevue: What to Expect (2026)

Bellevue offers a median optometrist salary of $195,920, which is $46,468 above the Washington state average of $149,452. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Bellevue pays above average for this role.

However, Bellevue's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $195,920 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $128,895. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bellevue should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for optometrists in Bellevue spans from $121,680 at the 10th percentile to $299,520 at the 90th percentile — a $177,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $127,920, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $277,680. With a population of 151,854, Bellevue is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Bellevue by Experience

In Bellevue, an entry-level optometrist earns around $127,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $277,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$127,920
+$45,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$199,680
+$71,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$277,680
+$99,680 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bellevue, WA

Percentile Bellevue
10th Percentile $121,680
25th Percentile $156,000
Median (50th) $195,920
75th Percentile $246,480
90th Percentile $299,520

Optometrist Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Optometrist in Bellevue

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Bellevue and the surrounding Washington 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 Bellevue may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Bellevue

Browse open optometrist positions in Bellevue, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Bellevue

How much does a Optometrist make in Bellevue, WA? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Bellevue, Washington is $195,920 per year, which is 56.0% above the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $121,680 (10th percentile) to $299,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Bellevue? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $195,920, a optometrist in Bellevue earns approximately $94 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bellevue compare to the Washington state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Bellevue's median optometrist salary of $195,920 is 31.1% above the Washington state average of $149,452. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, WA? ▼
Bellevue has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $195,920 in Bellevue has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Bellevue? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Bellevue 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.