Optometrist Salary in Muscatine, IA: $118,717 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Muscatine, IA earns a median $118,717/year (≈ $57.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Muscatine's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $131,324 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Muscatine, Iowa, can anticipate a median annual salary of $118,717 in 2026, which reflects a significant deviation from the national average of $140,612. Local estimates suggest a salary range from $73,319 at the 10th percentile to $166,464 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse market for optometrists in the area. Opportunities for employment are available in multiple settings, including private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and ophthalmology practices. The choice between practice ownership or employment in a retail chain significantly influences earning potential, as those who own private practices tend to enjoy higher compensation compared to those employed by retail chains. This contextual understanding is essential for optometrists considering their options in Muscatine.
About the Muscatine Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,319 | $35.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,233 | $48.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $118,717 | $57.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $140,714 | $67.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $166,464 | $80.03 |
Median Salary Position
15.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muscatine
In Muscatine, IA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $93,145 (2026 est.). At $118,717, the local median is 15.57% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Muscatine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Muscatine Optometrist Pay Compares
Muscatine median: $118,717/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muscatine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $127,106 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -15.57% less |
Optometrists in Muscatine, IA earn a median of $118,717 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.57% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $127,106.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muscatine 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.
Muscatine, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $118,717 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $131,324 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,304
2025 BLS Actual
$115,304
2026 Current Est.
$118,717
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,304 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,668 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,945 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,034 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,327 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,069 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,304 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,717 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,231 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muscatine metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $97,304 (2019) to $115,304 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $122,231 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,927 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muscatine 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) | $73,319 – $100,233 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,233 – $118,717 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $118,717 – $140,714 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $140,714 – $166,464 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Muscatine
In Muscatine, a small cadre of five practicing optometrists contributes to a local job market that offers unique financial dynamics. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, which is below the national average, optometrists may find their purchasing power relatively strong despite lower pay than the national level. Notably, private practices typically yield better compensation, driven by factors such as equity in practice ownership, the OD/MD model collaborating with ophthalmologists, and potential shared revenue from referrals. Those who have completed a residency, especially in ocular disease or pathways that connect with VA practices, may command higher salaries due to their advanced training. To maximize earnings in this market, aspiring optometrists should consider pursuing residency programs, seek partnerships with established practices, and evaluate the benefits of varying employment settings, from solo practices to larger retail chains.
More salary data for Muscatine, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Muscatine, IA in 2026?
Is Muscatine, IA a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Muscatine?
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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 $115,304 for optometristsin the Muscatine 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 Muscatine 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