Optometrist Salary in Burlington, IA: $122,053 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Burlington, IA earns a median $122,053/year (≈ $58.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Burlington's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $135,014 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Burlington, IA, is projected to reach a median of $122,053, showcasing a substantial opportunity within the local market. The pay range spans from $70,791 at the low end (P10) to $170,554 for those in the highest earning bracket (P90), indicating diverse earning potential based on various factors such as practice ownership and patient volume. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, accounting for regional price adjustments. In this city, many optometrists must choose between being practice owners, employed associates, or working for retail chains, each path leading to distinct financial outcomes. This employment structure influences salary dynamics significantly in Burlington's optometry sector.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,791 | $34.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,713 | $47.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,053 | $58.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $144,033 | $69.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $170,554 | $82.00 |
Median Salary Position
13.2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
In Burlington, IA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $99,763 (2026 est.). At $122,053, the local median is 13.2% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burlington: You'd be above the median
How Burlington Optometrist Pay Compares
Burlington median: $122,053/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $127,138 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -13.20% less |
Optometrists in Burlington, IA earn a median of $122,053 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.20% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.00% below the Iowa state average of $127,138.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burlington has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burlington, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $122,053 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,014 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,038
2025 BLS Actual
$118,544
2026 Current Est.
$122,053
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,038 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,468 | Actual |
| 2021 | $107,894 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,013 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,456 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,106 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,544 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,053 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,666 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burlington metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $100,038 (2019) to $118,544 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,666 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,628 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $70,791 – $99,713 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,713 – $122,053 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,053 – $144,033 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $144,033 – $170,554 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Burlington
The local job market currently employs four optometrists, reflecting a modest size within the industry. Given a cost-of-living index of 90.4, professionals in Burlington enjoy a lower expenses threshold compared to the national average, which can enhance their overall purchasing power. Among local employers, private optometry practices tend to offer higher compensation than retail chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision, with the potential for increased earnings through ownership or collaboration with ophthalmology practices. Factors such as ownership equity, residency training, and post-acquisition employment terms can drive the variance in pay, particularly as private practices transition to private equity ownership models. New graduates or less experienced optometrists may consider enhancing their income by pursuing residency training or specializing in areas with a high demand for ocular disease management, positioning themselves favorably in this evolving market.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $118,544 for optometristsin the Burlington metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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