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Associate Optometrist Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Optometrist information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$74K

$141.4K

$210.7K

How much do associate optometrist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate optometrist in Seattle, WA is $141,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,600.00 and $166,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate optometrist?

Associate Optometrists are licensed eye care professionals who work under the supervision or partnership of a senior optometrist or within an optometry practice. They perform comprehensive eye exams, diagnose and treat visual problems, and prescribe corrective lenses or treatments. Associate Optometrists may also assist with patient education and manage certain eye diseases. This role is typically suited for optometrists early in their careers, offering opportunities for skill development and experience in a clinical setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate optometrist?

To thrive as an Associate Optometrist, you need a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, state licensure, and a strong background in vision assessment and ocular disease management. Familiarity with diagnostic tools such as autorefractors, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and electronic health records is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and patient education abilities help you stand out in this role. These competencies ensure accurate diagnoses, effective patient care, and a positive clinical experience, which are critical for success in optometry practice.

What are some typical challenges an associate optometrist may encounter when transitioning from school to clinical practice?

Associate Optometrists often find the transition from academic settings to clinical practice challenging due to the increased patient volume, time management demands, and the need to quickly adapt to different practice management systems. Additionally, building rapport with patients and collaborating effectively with support staff and other healthcare professionals can require practice and strong communication skills. With experience, most new optometrists become more confident in their diagnostic abilities and develop efficient workflows that allow them to provide high-quality patient care.

What is the difference between Associate Optometrist vs Optometry Technician?

AspectAssociate OptometristOptometry Technician
CredentialsDoctor of Optometry (OD) licenseCertified or registered technician, no OD license
Work EnvironmentExam rooms, patient consultations, diagnosis, treatment planningPre-testing, assisting during exams, patient data collection
ResponsibilitiesDiagnose eye conditions, prescribe glasses/contact lenses, manage patient carePerform preliminary tests, assist with exams, prepare patients

Associate Optometrists hold a Doctor of Optometry degree and are licensed to diagnose and treat eye conditions, while Optometry Technicians support the clinical team by conducting tests and assisting during exams. Both roles are essential in eye care clinics, but their responsibilities and credentials differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optometrist jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Optometrist jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Optometrist jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Associate Optometrist jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Optometrist jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Optometrist jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Associate Optometrist jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Associate Optometrist job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Optometrist job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $141,438 per year, or $68 per hour.

Associate Optometrist - Puyallup, Washington

Hëda

Puyallup, WA

$631/hr

Part-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 hours ago

Posted today


Job description

LOCATION: Puyallup, Washington PRACTICE MODALITY: Private Practice (1-2 Doctors) SCHEDULE: Part time (3-4 days) COMPENSATION: $631.00/day with incentives BENEFITS: • Retirement Plan (401K or SIMPLE IRA) • Health Benefits • PTO SPECIALTIES: • Primary Care • Dry Eyes / Aesthetics • Ocular Disease PRACTICE OVERVIEW & DETAILS: Associate Optometrist (Part-Time: 2–3 Days/Week) Private Practice with Medical Focus | Near Tacoma & Seattle, WA | Employee Position Only Join an established, patient-centered private practice serving the Puyallup community for over 30 years. We are seeking a motivated, personable, and clinically driven Associate Optometrist to become part of our collaborative team. This is an excellent opportunity for a doctor who enjoys practicing full-scope optometry with a strong medical emphasis, including dry eye management, glaucoma care, specialty contact lenses, and comprehensive routine exams. This is an employee position only — no buy-in or partnership track required. About the Practice Our privately owned practice is located in a beautifully remodeled office along the Puyallup River, just 20 minutes from Tacoma and approximately one hour south of Seattle. We have built a loyal patient base and strong reputation for exceptional care within the community. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality, personalized eye care without rushed appointments. Our doctor is supported by an experienced, highly trained team that performs pre-testing and assists with scribing, allowing providers to focus their attention on patient care. In addition to comprehensive routine eye care, our specialty services include: · Dry Eye Management & Advanced Therapies · Glaucoma Management · Specialty Contact Lens Fittings & Myopia Management · Co-management with local ophthalmology specialists and surgeons We maintain excellent referral relationships with providers including Pacific Cataract & Laser Institute and surrounding specialists. Schedule · Part-time: 2–3 days per week · Some Saturdays may be required · Occasional vacation coverage opportunities available Responsibilities · Perform comprehensive eye exams (routine and medical) · Diagnose and manage ocular disease, including glaucoma and dry eye disease · Prescribe glasses and contact lenses, including specialty lenses · Develop and implement treatment plans using advanced dry eye technologies · Provide post-operative and co-management care · Educate patients on eye health and treatment options · Maintain accurate and thorough electronic health records · Collaborate closely with doctors and team to deliver an outstanding patient experience Qualifications · Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited school of Optometry · Licensed or eligible for licensure in Washington State · Strong clinical and interpersonal skills · Interest or experience in medical optometry, dry eye management, and glaucoma care · Patient-focused, caring, and professional demeanor · Ability to work well within a cohesive, high-performing team · Excellent communication skills with patients and staff · One year of optometric experience preferred State-of-the-Art Technology Our clinic is equipped with diagnostic and treatment technology, including: · Optovue OCT · ScoutPro Osmolarity Tear Film Analysis · LipiScan · iLux, LipiFlow & Zest · OptiLight IPL · Optometric Aesthetics LLLT · Radius XR Visual Field · Digital Retinal Camera · Oculus 5M Anterior Segment Camera · Corneal Topographer · Autorefractor What We Offer · Competitive compensation structure · Established patient base with strong demand for medical optometry services · Supportive and positive office culture · Opportunity to practice full-scope optometry with a medical emphasis · Modern, upscale facility with advanced technology · Work-life balance in a beautiful Pacific Northwest community The Location Located in Puyallup, our practice offers the perfect blend of community charm and access to the outdoors. The Pacific Northwest provides year-round opportunities for hiking, skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, and countless cultural and sporting activities throughout the greater Tacoma and Seattle areas. SOURCING CHANNEL: ODs on Finance (50/50 Direct Placement Split)