Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Spearfish, SD: $72,568 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Spearfish, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,568 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Spearfish's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,198 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($125,117) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the optometry field in Spearfish, South Dakota, can expect to see starting salaries reflecting the local demand for their skills. With the entry-level optometrist salary projected at around $72,568, new grads may begin their careers significantly below the median annual wage of $125,117 for all optometrists in the area. However, there is room for growth in the initial years, as professionals can aim to reach approximately $106,912 after gaining experience, bolstering their earning potential as they develop their practices. Given the relatively lower cost of living in Spearfish, this starting pay can prove appealing to many new graduates seeking their first position in the field.
About the Spearfish Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Spearfish
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 Spearfish
Entry-level optometrists in Spearfish, SD typically start between $72,568 and $106,912 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $97,638 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $125,117 — 11.02% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in South Dakota of $140,000 represents just 192.92% of the starting optometrist pay ($72,568/year) in Spearfish. 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 Spearfish
- 1Research the Spearfish market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $72,568 to $106,912, 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 SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Spearfish, 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 Spearfish for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Spearfish'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 Spearfish is $97,638 ( 134.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,568, experienced hygienists can earn up to $170,206.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,730
2025 BLS Actual
$70,482
2026 Current Est.
$72,568
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Spearfish (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,730 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,507 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,172 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,510 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,482 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,568 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,716 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Spearfish, SD grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,730 in 2019 to $70,482 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,716. New graduates entering the Spearfish job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spearfish 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 Spearfish
When it comes to employment opportunities, various practices in Spearfish actively hire recent optometry graduates. Retail chains such as LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr are known to offer structured ramp-up programs for new optometrists. For those interested in working in a clinical setting, both Veterans Affairs and larger OD/MD practices often seek residency-trained optometrists, particularly for specialized roles that require advanced credentials. To enhance salary expectations, candidates should consider pursuing additional certifications, including the glaucoma certification and oral pharmaceutical agent certification, as these qualifications expand the scope of practice. The evolving landscape of optometry, including increased focus on glaucoma management and oral medication prescriptions, aligns with the career growth strategy for recent graduates as they transition through their first few years of practice in SD. With a moderate growth rate of 2.96% projected annually, early-career optometrists in the Spearfish market can anticipate a steady salary progression as they build their expertise.
More salary data for Spearfish, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for optometrists in Spearfish in 2026?
How fast do optometrist salaries grow in Spearfish?
Is optometry school worth it in Spearfish?
What do new optometrists make right out of school in Spearfish?
How do I become a optometrist in South 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 Spearfish. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Spearfish 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