Optometrist Salary in Minnesota: $152,069 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Minnesota's 44 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $152,069/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because Minnesota sits at BEA RPP 98.5 (1% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $154,385 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Minneapolis ($159,790), St. Paul ($158,186), Bloomington ($156,959).
The average median salary for optometrists in Minnesota is projected to be $152,069 in 2026, which is 8.1% higher than the national median of $140,612. This favorable difference underscores the state's strong demand for optometry services. In terms of city-specific salaries, Minneapolis offers the highest average at $164,520, while Faribault presents the lowest at $130,833, creating a substantial gap of $33,687. This variation can be attributed to factors such as population density, cost of living, and local healthcare needs. Minnesota's licensing requirements and scope of practice laws are essential in maintaining high professional standards, contributing to a robust workforce. The state's demand drivers include a growing population, increased emphasis on eye health, and aging demographics requiring more vision care services. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.96%, the job market for optometrists appears stable, ensuring continued demand for qualified professionals. The top five cities for salaries in 2026 are Minneapolis at $164,520, St. Paul at $162,868, Bloomington at $161,605, Maple Grove at $140,381, and Woodbury at $140,326.
Minnesota Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Minnesota: $75,884 (lowest entry-level) to $252,446 (highest top earner)
Minnesota vs National Average
Minnesota optometrists earn 8.15% more than the national median (+$11,457/year difference).
Minnesota Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in Minnesota range from $90,480 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $206,785 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $152,069. The Minnesota median is $11,457 above the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $73.11/hr. Approximately 994 optometrists are employed across 44 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$121,460
2025 BLS Actual
$147,697
2026 Current Est.
$152,069
2019–2027 Growth
+28.9%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Minnesota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $121,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,629 | Actual |
| 2022 | $150,953 | Actual |
| 2023 | $141,814 | Actual |
| 2024 | $144,812 | Actual |
| 2025 | $147,697 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $152,069 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $156,570 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Minnesota metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 21.6% from $121,460 (2019) to $147,697 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $156,570 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,110 (28.91%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minnesota 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Minnesota
Lowest Paying Cities in Minnesota
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in Minnesota
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Minnesota cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Paul | $162,868 | 98.5 | $165,348 |
| Bloomington | $161,605 | 98.5 | $164,066 |
| Minneapolis | $164,520 | 104.822 | $156,952 |
| St. Cloud | $135,866 | 87.632 | $155,042 |
| Maple Grove | $140,381 | 98.5 | $142,519 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Minnesota
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $90,480 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $152,069 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $206,785 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Minnesota metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 44 Cities in Minnesota
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minneapolis | $164,520 |
| 2 | St. Paul | $162,868 |
| 3 | Bloomington | $161,605 |
| 4 | Maple Grove | $140,381 |
| 5 | Woodbury | $140,326 |
| 6 | Eden Prairie | $140,194 |
| 7 | Duluth | $139,680 |
| 8 | Rochester | $139,423 |
| 9 | Owatonna | $137,492 |
| 10 | Brooklyn Park | $137,310 |
| 11 | Plymouth | $137,069 |
| 12 | Roseville | $136,986 |
| 13 | Chaska | $136,879 |
| 14 | Minnetonka | $136,849 |
| 15 | Cottage Grove | $136,696 |
| 16 | Burnsville | $136,586 |
| 17 | Lakeville | $136,081 |
| 18 | Chanhassen | $135,986 |
| 19 | St. Cloud | $135,866 |
| 20 | Inver Grove Heights | $135,772 |
| 21 | Eagan | $135,752 |
| 22 | Brooklyn Center | $135,718 |
| 23 | Elk River | $135,696 |
| 24 | Prior Lake | $135,557 |
| 25 | Ramsey | $135,063 |
| 26 | Blaine | $134,490 |
| 27 | Apple Valley | $134,282 |
| 28 | Shakopee | $134,149 |
| 29 | Coon Rapids | $134,129 |
| 30 | Savage | $133,913 |
| 31 | Edina | $133,898 |
| 32 | Maplewood | $133,504 |
| 33 | Andover | $133,472 |
| 34 | Richfield | $133,407 |
| 35 | St. Louis Park | $133,397 |
| 36 | Moorhead | $133,203 |
| 37 | Mankato | $133,171 |
| 38 | Northfield | $132,240 |
| 39 | Hastings | $131,958 |
| 40 | Fridley | $131,366 |
| 41 | Winona | $131,258 |
| 42 | Shoreview | $131,204 |
| 43 | Austin | $131,000 |
| 44 | Faribault | $130,833 |
More Minnesota Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced optometrists.
Compare Cities in Minnesota
View all comparisons →Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Minnesota in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in Minnesota?
How does Minnesota optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Minnesota?
How many optometrists are employed in Minnesota?
Which Minnesota city offers the best value for optometrists?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 optometrist compensation across Minnesota. State averages are employment-weighted across 44 metro areas — larger metro areas with more optometristscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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