Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Savage, MN: $80,993 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Savage, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,993 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Savage's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,226 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($133,913) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting optometrist salary in Savage, MN, is projected to be around $80,993, which sets a baseline for recent graduates entering the field. This figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary for optometrists, which stands at $133,913. New ODs might find this gap daunting, but understanding the trajectory of salary growth in the early years can be encouraging. For those at the beginning of their careers, transitioning from the P10 level to the 25th percentile salary of $111,822 is feasible within the first few years, given the 2.96% growth rate expected in the profession. Savage currently presents a promising market for new graduates, with opportunities that can lead to steady salary increases as they gain experience.
About the Savage Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Savage
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 Savage
Entry-level optometrists in Savage, MN typically start between $80,993 and $111,822 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $113,935 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $133,913 — 4.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Minnesota of $165,000 represents just 203.72% of the starting optometrist pay ($80,993/year) in Savage. 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 Savage
- 1Research the Savage market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $80,993 to $111,822, 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 Savage, 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 Savage for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Savage'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 Savage is $113,935 ( 140.67%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,993, experienced hygienists can earn up to $194,928.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,201
2025 BLS Actual
$78,665
2026 Current Est.
$80,993
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Savage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,201 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,829 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,712 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,300 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,274 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,227 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,665 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,993 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,391 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Savage, MN grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,201 in 2019 to $78,665 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,391. New graduates entering the Savage job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Savage 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 Savage
In Savage, employment opportunities for fresh optometry graduates typically arise in chain retailers such as LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr, which actively recruit entry-level professionals and offer structured onboarding processes. Alternatively, collaborative practices may look for residency-trained optometrists, particularly those with specialties in ocular disease or pediatrics. Credentials significantly impact starting pay; having an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution, passing NBEO Parts I-III, and obtaining a state license are essential, while optional residency training can enhance prospects. As the field evolves, optometrists’ scopes have expanded to include glaucoma management and oral medications in most states. With the right approach, newly hired optometrists in Savage can realistically expect salary growth within their first three years, especially if they leverage continuing education and align their career paths with emerging practice opportunities, such as those offered at the VA or through private practice avenues.
More salary data for Savage, 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 Savage. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Savage 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