Elk River vs St. Paul: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Elk River, MN and St. Paul, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elk River, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,696 | $162,868▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.24 | $78.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,963 | $94,464▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,491 | $129,420▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,908 | $196,820▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,020 | $252,446▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 80▲ |
Verdict
St. Paul, 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. Paul is $27,172 (20.02%). St. Paul's median is +15.83% 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. Paul spans $157,982. St. Paul 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. Paul ($165,348 effective) pays 20.02% 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. Paul if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($162,868/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($252,446)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $165,348)
- ✓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 12.0% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Elk River, MN
$133,176 (2024) → $131,795 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$141,294 (2024) → $158,186 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elk River, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Elk River or St. Paul?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elk River and St. Paul?
Should I relocate from Elk River to St. Paul as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Elk River vs St. Paul?
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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