Optometrist Salary in Chanhassen, MN: $135,986 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Chanhassen, MN earns a median $135,986/year (≈ $65.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Chanhassen's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $138,057 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chanhassen, MN, the estimated optometrist salary in 2026 is projected to be $135,986 annually, offering a competitive compensation relative to the national median of $140,612. This city presents a salary range from $78,873 at the 10th percentile to $193,641 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a significant variance in pay based on experience and practice setting. These salary figures reflect local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and incorporate adjustments for regional cost differences, which remain pertinent given Chanhassen's cost of living index of 98.5, slightly below the national average. The strong scope of practice for optometrists in Minnesota—including the ability to manage glaucoma, prescribe medications, and perform certain laser procedures—can contribute to the attractive salary range, enhancing the appeal of eye care careers in this area.
About the Chanhassen Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,873 | $37.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,827 | $51.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,986 | $65.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $161,525 | $77.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,641 | $93.10 |
Median Salary Position
3.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chanhassen
In Chanhassen, MN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,768 (2026 est.). At $135,986, the local median is 3.29% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chanhassen: You'd be above the median
How Chanhassen Optometrist Pay Compares
Chanhassen median: $135,986/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chanhassen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $138,479 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -3.29% less |
Optometrists in Chanhassen, MN earn a median of $135,986 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.29% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.80% below the Minnesota state average of $138,479.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chanhassen 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.
Chanhassen, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $135,986 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,057 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$111,458
2025 BLS Actual
$132,077
2026 Current Est.
$135,986
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Chanhassen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,458 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,166 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,211 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,458 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,522 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,461 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,077 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,986 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,012 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chanhassen metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $111,458 (2019) to $132,077 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,012 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,554 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chanhassen 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) | $78,873 – $107,827 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,827 – $135,986 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,986 – $161,525 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $161,525 – $193,641 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Chanhassen
Examining the job market, Chanhassen is home to only four practicing optometrists, leading to opportunities for strong salary growth within a relatively small pool. As the local cost of living is below the national average, this can positively impact take-home purchasing power. Employers in the area include a mix of private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and specialized clinics, with those engaged in ophthalmology often offering the highest compensation due to shared surgical revenue models with MDs. The substantial pay range is influenced by factors such as practice ownership structure, whether an optometrist is affiliated with a retail chain or operates independently, and the impact of residency training on income levels. For those looking to maximize optometrist pay in Chanhassen, targeting employment in a jointly operated OD/MD practice or considering roles in private, non-retail settings may yield the highest financial rewards.
More salary data for Chanhassen, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Chanhassen?
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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 $132,077 for optometristsin the Chanhassen 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 Chanhassen 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