Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Minot, ND: $73,685 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Minot, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,685 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Minot's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,092 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($127,043) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the optometry field in Minot, North Dakota, can expect a starting salary around $73,685 in 2026, which may feel modest when compared to the city's median annual salary of $127,043. This initial pay reflects the realities faced by entry-level optometrists in the area, and it's essential for new ODs to have realistic expectations regarding compensation. However, the salary trajectory for new optometrists should be promising; as they gain experience and build their patient base, they can see their pay grow toward the $100,773 benchmark within a few years. Given the local cost of living index of 92, Minot presents a viable market for recent graduates, offering opportunities to establish a solid career foundation before pursuing higher earning potential.
About the Minot Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Minot
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 Minot
Entry-level optometrists in Minot, ND typically start between $73,685 and $100,773 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $107,281 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $127,043 — 9.65% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in North Dakota of $135,000 represents just 183.21% of the starting optometrist pay ($73,685/year) in Minot. 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 Minot
- 1Research the Minot market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $73,685 to $100,773, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Minot, 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 Minot for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Minot's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Optometrist Compensation Range
The optometrist wage spread in Minot is $107,281 ( 145.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,685, experienced hygienists can earn up to $180,966.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,588
2025 BLS Actual
$71,567
2026 Current Est.
$73,685
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Minot (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,588 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,070 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,873 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,408 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,113 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,076 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,567 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,685 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,866 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Minot, ND grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,588 in 2019 to $71,567 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,866. New graduates entering the Minot job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minot 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 Minot
Employment opportunities for new graduates in Minot primarily exist within retail chains like LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr, which tend to hire fresh optometry graduates due to their structured ramp-up programs. Alternatively, more clinical settings, such as OD/MD practices and the Veterans Affairs system, often look for residency-trained optometrists, suggesting that additional credentials can enhance salary prospects. To maximize starting pay in North Dakota, new optometrists should focus on obtaining their OD from an ACOE-accredited school and passing the NBEO Parts I-III, while considering the potential benefits of a year-long residency and specialization certifications. As the scope of practice expands, incorporating skills in glaucoma management and other advanced procedures can further elevate an early-career optometrist's marketability and salary growth. Given the projected growth rate of 2.96%, those positioning themselves strategically within the first three years can expect to see measured increases in pay as they build their expertise and professional reputation.
More salary data for Minot, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Minot in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in Minot?
Is optometry school worth it in Minot?
What do new optometrists make right out of school in Minot?
How do I become a optometrist in North Dakota?
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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 Minot. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Minot 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