HealthcareUpdated Q1 2026

Optometrist Salary
in Fort Collins, CO

Examine eyes for vision problems and disease, prescribing corrective lenses and treatment. Median salary in Fort Collins: $155K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$155K
per year
Take-home: $102K

Salary range in Fort Collins

Entry level (25th)$125,000
Median (50th)$155,000
Senior (75th)$188,000
Top earner (90th)$235,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Fort Collins, Colorado. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Fort Collins

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

12% premium vs national median

Optometrists in Fort Collins earn approximately 12% higher than the US national median for this role β€” a $17,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Fort Collins's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Primarily on-site role

Only 5% of Optometrist positions offer remote flexibility, meaning the Fort Collins salary above represents what local employers actually pay β€” not a remote-anywhere rate. Geographic constraints reinforce the local market, so the salary range above is more directly applicable than for remote-friendly roles.

Key facts for Fort Collins

Median salary
$155K
annual
Take-home pay
$102K
after fed/state tax
COL index
112
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.55%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,700
per month
YoY growth
+2.8%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Fort Collins Optometrist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $155K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Fort Collins

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Optometrist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$130K$141K$153K$164K$175K201920212023202520272029
2026
$159K
projected
2027
$163K
projected
2028
$167K
projected
2029
$171K
projected
2030
$175K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$155,000+$0
2028 projected$155,000+$0
2029 projected$155,000+$0
2030 projected$155,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Optometrist Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Optometrist salary in Fort Collins, CO is $155,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Fort Collins–CO metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Optometrist in Fort Collins

Entry-level Optometrists in Fort Collins with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $125,000 and $155,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $155,000 to $188,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $188,000 to $235,000 or more.

Cost of living in Fort Collins for Optometrists

Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 112 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Fort Collins are close to the national average. Colorado has a 4.55% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Optometrist

Doctor of Optometry (OD); state licensure. 5% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Optometrist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Fort Collins (current)$155K112
Denver$155K118
Colorado Springs$132K102
Aurora$146K112
Lakewood$159K115
Thornton$149K108