Elk River vs St. Cloud: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Elk River, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elk River, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,696 | $135,866▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.24 | $65.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,963 | $100,458▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,491 | $122,111▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,908 | $172,067▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,020 | $239,063▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 30▲ |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elk River.
The salary gap between Elk River and St. Cloud is $170 (0.13%). St. Cloud's median is -3.38% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elk River spans $120,057,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 12.54% more than Elk River ($137,762 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elk River if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,866/year)
- ✓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 Elk River grew -1.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.5% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Elk River, MN
$133,176 (2024) → $131,795 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$125,070 (2021) → $131,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elk River, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Elk River or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elk River and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Elk River to St. Cloud as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Elk River vs St. Cloud?
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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