Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Eagan, MN: $78,736 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Eagan, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,736 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Eagan's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,935 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($135,752) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new optometrists entering the field in Eagan, Minnesota can expect starting salaries around $78,736, an important figure to consider when evaluating the overall financial landscape. This entry-level pay represents a notable gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary for optometrists of $135,752. For recent graduates, it’s hopeful to recognize a potential growth trajectory from the entry-level position ($78,736) to higher brackets like the 25th percentile at $110,549, which might realistically be achieved within the first three to five years of practice. Considering Eagan’s combination of a stable job market and an attractive salary relative to the state average, it appears to be a favorable environment for new optometrists commencing their careers.
About the Eagan Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Eagan
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Eagan
Entry-level optometrists in Eagan, MN typically start between $78,736 and $110,549 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $123,156 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $135,752 — 3.46% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Minnesota of $165,000 represents just 209.56% of the starting optometrist pay ($78,736/year) in Eagan. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOE-accredited Doctor of Optometry programs. Public school OD programs offer lower in-state tuition, while private institutions carry higher out-of-pocket costs. Totals reflect tuition and fees for the 4-year professional program; clinical rotation travel and living costs add to the total cost of attendance.
OD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Eagan
- 1Research the Eagan market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $78,736 to $110,549, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the optometry field — employers in MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Eagan, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Eagan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Eagan's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Optometrist Compensation Range
The optometrist wage spread in Eagan is $123,156 ( 156.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,736, experienced hygienists can earn up to $201,892.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,467
2025 BLS Actual
$76,472
2026 Current Est.
$78,736
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Eagan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,467 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,050 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,908 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,480 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,273 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,472 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,736 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,066 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Eagan, MN grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,467 in 2019 to $76,472 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,066. New graduates entering the Eagan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Eagan metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your optometry Career in Eagan
Exploring employment opportunities in Eagan reveals several employers who actively recruit new graduates, such as retail chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks, known for offering structured training and ramp programs for optometry graduates. Furthermore, more specialized roles in OD/MD practices are often targeted toward residency-trained optometrists, providing additional pathways to advance one's career and salary. Credentials such as a Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited school, passing NBEO Parts I-III, and obtaining state licensure are vital for securing positions. With the evolving scope of practice—including glaucoma management and the prescribing of oral medications—it is essential for new graduates to stay updated with continuing education. Realistic salary growth for new grads in their first few years may be modest, yet striving for continuous learning while gaining hands-on experience can exponentially increase earning potential in this promising field.
More salary data for Eagan, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new optometry graduates. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Eagan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Eagan is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov