Cedar Rapids vs Fort Dodge: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Fort Dodge, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Fort Dodge, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,905 | $116,681▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.91 | $56.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,380▲ | $68,677 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,593▲ | $96,052 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,776 | $138,465▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,500▲ | $159,872 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids and Fort Dodge are closely matched on overall optometrist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Fort Dodge is $10,776 (10.18%). Fort Dodge's median is -17.02% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $90,120,Fort Dodge spans $91,195. Fort Dodge has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Dodge ($129,072 effective) pays 8.42% more than Cedar Rapids ($119,044 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,500)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Dodge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,681/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,072)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Cedar Rapids grew -29.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.7% growth in Fort Dodge over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$145,380 (2019) → $102,860 (2025)
Fort Dodge, IA
$106,215 (2024) → $113,327 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Fort Dodge, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Cedar Rapids or Fort Dodge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Fort Dodge?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Fort Dodge as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Cedar Rapids vs Fort Dodge?
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov