Optometrist Salary in Council Bluffs, IA: $122,756 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Council Bluffs, IA earns a median $122,756/year (≈ $59.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Council Bluffs's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $135,792 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With an estimated median annual salary of $122,756 for optometrists in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the financial opportunities in this field are notable, especially when considering the ability to participate in OD/MD model surgical co-management. This salary places local professionals below the national median of $140,612, highlighting a difference of approximately 12.70%. The salary range for optometrists in this region varies significantly, where entry-level positions might earn as little as $71,199, while those at the higher end of the spectrum can make up to $178,990. These figures provide insights into the earning potential for optometrists, reflecting local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted to account for regional price changes in Council Bluffs's job market.
About the Council Bluffs Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,199 | $34.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,821 | $47.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,756 | $59.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $150,003 | $72.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $178,990 | $86.05 |
Median Salary Position
12.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Council Bluffs
In Council Bluffs, IA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,791 (2026 est.). At $122,756, the local median is 12.7% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Council Bluffs: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Council Bluffs Optometrist Pay Compares
Council Bluffs median: $122,756/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Council Bluffs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $127,077 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -12.70% less |
Optometrists in Council Bluffs, IA earn a median of $122,756 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.70% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.40% below the Iowa state average of $127,077.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Council Bluffs 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.
Council Bluffs, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $122,756 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,792 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,614
2025 BLS Actual
$119,227
2026 Current Est.
$122,756
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Council Bluffs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,614 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,059 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,515 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,641 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,115 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,746 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,227 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,756 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $126,390 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Council Bluffs metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $100,614 (2019) to $119,227 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $126,390 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,776 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Council Bluffs 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) | $71,199 – $97,821 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,821 – $122,756 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,756 – $150,003 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $150,003 – $178,990 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Council Bluffs
Across the region, the job market for optometrists consists of around 12 professionals employed in various settings. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, the purchasing power for optometrists in Council Bluffs is relatively favorable, enabling them to stretch their earnings further compared to national standards. Among local employers, private optometry practices, particularly those employing the OD/MD model, tend to offer the highest salaries due to revenue gained from surgical referrals. Conversely, retail optical chains and other settings may have more limited earning potential. The significant disparity in pay can be attributed to factors such as practice ownership, advanced residency training, and practice management strategies. Those seeking to maximize their earnings should consider honing in on specializations that are growing in scope, as optometrists now frequently engage in glaucoma management, making such skills a valuable asset in negotiation discussions.
More salary data for Council Bluffs, 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 $119,227 for optometristsin the Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs 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