Cottage Grove vs St. Cloud: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Cottage Grove, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottage Grove, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,696▲ | $135,866 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.72▲ | $65.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,283 | $100,458▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $109,269 | $122,111▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $160,274 | $172,067▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $191,214 | $239,063▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 30▲ |
Verdict
Cottage Grove and St. Cloud are closely matched on overall optometrist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and St. Cloud is $830 (0.61%). Cottage Grove's median is -2.78% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottage Grove spans $111,931,St. Cloud spans $138,605. St. Cloud 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, St. Cloud ($155,042 effective) pays 11.72% more than Cottage Grove ($138,778 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottage Grove if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,696/year)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($239,063)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,042)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Cottage Grove grew -1.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.5% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$134,157 (2024) → $132,766 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$125,070 (2021) → $131,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Cottage Grove or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottage Grove and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Cottage Grove to St. Cloud as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Cottage Grove vs St. Cloud?
Related Comparisons
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