Optometrist Salary in Elk River, MN: $135,696 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Elk River, MN earns a median $135,696/year (≈ $65.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Elk River's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $137,762 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elk River, Minnesota, optometrists are projected to earn a median annual salary of $135,696 in 2026. This figure presents a competitive landscape, particularly when considering the local salary range, which varies from $80,963 at the 10th percentile to $201,020 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for local cost of living, reflect the notable contributions of revenue from surgical co-management in the OD/MD model. For optometrists in this region, the remuneration not only reflects base salary but also potential earnings from collaborative practices and surgical referrals, making Elk River an intriguing option for optometrists evaluating their career path in the state of Minnesota.
About the Elk River Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,963 | $38.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,491 | $54.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,696 | $65.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $157,908 | $75.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $201,020 | $96.65 |
Median Salary Position
3.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elk River
In Elk River, MN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,057 (2026 est.). At $135,696, the local median is 3.5% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elk River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elk River Optometrist Pay Compares
Elk River median: $135,696/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elk River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $138,465 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -3.50% less |
Optometrists in Elk River, MN earn a median of $135,696 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.50% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $138,465.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elk River 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.
Elk River, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $135,696 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $137,762 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$111,220
2025 BLS Actual
$131,795
2026 Current Est.
$135,696
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Elk River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,923 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,954 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,199 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,250 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,176 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,795 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,696 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,713 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elk River metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $111,220 (2019) to $131,795 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,713 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,493 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elk River 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) | $80,963 – $112,491 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,491 – $135,696 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,696 – $157,908 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $157,908 – $201,020 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Elk River
With only four optometrists currently employed in Elk River, the job market remains relatively small but stable. The cost-of-living index stands at 98.5, slightly below the national average, indicating that local salaries may stretch further in terms of purchasing power. Optometrists in Elk River might find higher-paying opportunities through private practices that employ the OD/MD model, where earnings from surgical referrals can significantly enhance overall pay. Additionally, practitioners who pursue residency training in areas like ocular disease may command a premium, further widening the pay gap between different employment setups. Strategies to maximize optometrist pay in Elk River include exploring ownership in private practices or positioning themselves within practices that prioritize surgical co-management to leverage potential additional income.
More salary data for Elk River, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Elk River, MN in 2026?
Is Elk River, MN a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Elk River?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Elk River?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Elk River?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 $131,795 for optometristsin the Elk River 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 Elk River 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