Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Wausau, WI: $102,208 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Wausau, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $102,208 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wausau's local price level (BEA RPP 92.7 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $110,315 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($146,914) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the optometry field in Wausau, Wisconsin, can expect an initial salary around $102,208 in 2026. While this is significantly lower than the anticipated median annual salary of $146,914 for all optometrists in the area, it represents a solid starting point for entry-level positions. For new grads, the trajectory is promising, as one might progress towards the 25th percentile salary of $125,972 within the first few years. Given the positive growth rate of 2.96% annually, Wausau presents a viable market for fresh optometry graduates eager to establish their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wausau
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 Wausau
Entry-level optometrists in Wausau, WI typically start between $102,208 and $125,972 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $97,555 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $146,914 — 4.48% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Wisconsin of $150,000 represents just 146.76% of the starting optometrist pay ($102,208/year) in Wausau. 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 Wausau
- 1Research the Wausau market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $102,208 to $125,972, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Wausau, 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 Wausau for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wausau'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 Wausau is $97,555 ( 95.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $102,208, experienced hygienists can earn up to $199,763.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$78,493
2025 BLS Actual
$99,270
2026 Current Est.
$102,208
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Wausau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,493 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,548 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,470 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,472 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,270 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,208 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,234 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Wausau, WI grew 26.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $78,493 in 2019 to $99,270 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $105,234. New graduates entering the Wausau job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wausau 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 Wausau
Employers in Wausau that commonly hire new optometrists include retail chains like LensCrafters, Visionworks, and MyEyeDr, which typically offer structured onboarding programs for recent graduates. Meanwhile, OD/MD practices might prefer residency-trained optometrists due to their specialized skill sets. Credentials such as an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution, passing NBEO Parts I-III, and obtaining state licensure are essential for enhancing entry-level pay in Wisconsin. In the first three years, an optometrist can anticipate gradual salary increases as the scope of practice expands, including glaucoma management and the use of oral medications. The current market dynamics indicate that while retail employment is declining with increasing acquisitions by private equity firms, the demand for skilled ODs remains steady, especially for those willing to engage in continued education and potentially pursue optional residencies or certifications.
More salary data for Wausau, WI:
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 Wausau. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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