Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Roseville, MN: $79,452 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Roseville, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,452 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Roseville's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,662 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($136,986) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering optometry in Roseville, Minnesota, can expect a starting salary of around $79,452 in 2026 for their initial positions. This figure represents the lower end of the pay scale, while the city's median optometrist salary stands at $136,986, indicating a significant gap that illustrates the typical progression of salary as one gains experience in the field. Within the first few years, it's realistic for new optometrists to see their earnings rise as they build their clientele and expertise, potentially reaching the 25th percentile rate of $109,861. Given the current market conditions, Roseville offers a viable environment for new graduates entering the profession, particularly as the demand for eye care continues to grow and educational institutions prepare students with relevant, up-to-date licenses and certifications.
About the Roseville Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Roseville
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 Roseville
Entry-level optometrists in Roseville, MN typically start between $79,452 and $109,861 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $117,228 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $136,986 — 2.58% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Minnesota of $165,000 represents just 207.67% of the starting optometrist pay ($79,452/year) in Roseville. 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 Roseville
- 1Research the Roseville market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $79,452 to $109,861, 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 Roseville, 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 Roseville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Roseville'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 Roseville is $117,228 ( 147.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,452, experienced hygienists can earn up to $196,680.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,017
2025 BLS Actual
$77,168
2026 Current Est.
$79,452
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Roseville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,017 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,615 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,480 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,058 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,974 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,976 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,168 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,452 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,804 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Roseville, MN grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,017 in 2019 to $77,168 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,804. New graduates entering the Roseville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Roseville 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 Roseville
Employment opportunities in the Roseville area primarily focus on key employers such as retail chains like LensCrafters and Visionworks, which are known to hire many new grad optometrists and often provide structured training programs that can facilitate early career growth. In contrast, those considering positions in private practices typically may need to demonstrate a commitment to the establishment through potential buy-in agreements, which can impact initial earnings and job readiness. Credentials play a vital role; completing an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited optometry school, passing NBEO Parts I-III, and securing a state license are mandatory steps. Pursuing a residency, although optional, can significantly enhance earning potential and job prospects in more specialized fields. With the ongoing advancements in optometry, such as expanded scopes of practice to include treatments for glaucoma and oral medications, those entering the profession can anticipate a gradual increase in earnings over the first few years of their careers in Roseville, consistent with the overall market growth rate of 2.96%.
More salary data for Roseville, 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 Roseville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Roseville 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