Optometrist Salary in Apple Valley, MN: $134,282 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Apple Valley, MN earns a median $134,282/year (≈ $64.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Apple Valley's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $136,327 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Apple Valley, Minnesota, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $134,282 in 2026, reflecting a slight decrease compared to the national median of $140,612. Salary ranges for this profession in the area present diverse opportunities, with entry-level positions starting around $77,884, while experienced practitioners can earn up to $196,484. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost of living considerations, with Apple Valley's overall affordability index at 98.5, indicating lower-than-average living expenses. As optometrists engage in surgical co-management alongside ophthalmologists, these dynamics contribute positively to their overall compensation, making Apple Valley an attractive market for eye care professionals.
About the Apple Valley Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,884 | $37.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,625 | $51.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,282 | $64.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $164,913 | $79.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $196,484 | $94.47 |
Median Salary Position
4.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apple Valley
In Apple Valley, MN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,600 (2026 est.). At $134,282, the local median is 4.5% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Apple Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Apple Valley Optometrist Pay Compares
Apple Valley median: $134,282/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Apple Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $138,436 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -4.50% less |
Optometrists in Apple Valley, MN earn a median of $134,282 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.50% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.00% below the Minnesota state average of $138,436.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Apple Valley has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Apple Valley, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $134,282 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,327 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,062
2025 BLS Actual
$130,422
2026 Current Est.
$134,282
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Apple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,062 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,736 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,704 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,936 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,924 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,788 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,422 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,282 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,257 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apple Valley metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $110,062 (2019) to $130,422 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,257 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,195 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apple Valley 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) | $77,884 – $107,625 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,625 – $134,282 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,282 – $164,913 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $164,913 – $196,484 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Apple Valley
The job market for optometrists in Apple Valley is relatively stable, with 13 practitioners actively employed, creating both opportunities and competition. Despite the cost of living being below the national average, which influences take-home pay and purchasing power, there are still several avenues for maximizing income. Employers in the area range from private optometry practices and retail chains to ophthalmology practices that utilize the OD/MD model. Each setting has distinct earning potentials, often dictated by factors such as equity ownership in private practices, affiliations with larger healthcare systems, and the added revenue from surgical co-management. For those seeking to enhance their optometrist pay in Apple Valley, emphasizing additional training, such as residencies particularly in ocular disease, can offer competitive advantages. Additionally, understanding the nuances of potential private equity ownership transitions in the local market can guide financial negotiations effectively.
More salary data for Apple Valley, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Apple Valley, MN in 2026?
Is Apple Valley, MN a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Apple Valley?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Apple Valley?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Apple Valley?
Related Pages
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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 $130,422 for optometristsin the Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley 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