Minneapolis vs St. Louis Park: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Minneapolis, MN and St. Louis Park, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | St. Louis Park, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $164,520▲ | $133,397 |
| Hourly Rate | $79.09▲ | $64.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,471▲ | $77,370 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,878▲ | $107,802 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,531▲ | $160,416 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $202,100▲ | $193,184 |
| Total Employed | 470▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Louis Park.
The salary gap between Minneapolis and St. Louis Park is $31,123 (23.33%). Minneapolis's median is +17.00% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $103,629,St. Louis Park spans $115,814. St. Louis Park 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, Minneapolis ($156,952 effective) pays 15.89% more than St. Louis Park ($135,428 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($164,520/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($202,100)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,952)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis Park if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Minneapolis grew 31.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.0% growth in St. Louis Park over the same period.
Minneapolis, MN
$121,460 (2019) → $159,790 (2025)
St. Louis Park, MN
$130,919 (2024) → $129,562 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minneapolis, MN
St. Louis Park, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Minneapolis or St. Louis Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and St. Louis Park?
Should I relocate from Minneapolis to St. Louis Park as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Minneapolis vs St. Louis Park?
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