Optometrist Salary in Owatonna, MN: $137,492 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Owatonna, MN earns a median $137,492/year (≈ $66.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Owatonna's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $139,586 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Owatonna, Minnesota, the average optometrist salary stands at a competitive $137,492 in 2026, with a notable range that stretches from $79,746 at the lower end to $193,565 for top earners. This financial landscape reflects local estimates derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) state-level data and considers regional cost adjustments. The choice of practice structure plays a significant role in shaping these earnings, as optometrists in Owatonna may find options in private practice ownership, employed associate roles, or retail chain positions. Each pathway carries its financial implications, creating a varied environment for current and aspiring eye care professionals in the region.
About the Owatonna Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,746 | $38.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,841 | $51.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,492 | $66.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,376 | $78.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,565 | $93.06 |
Median Salary Position
2.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Owatonna
In Owatonna, MN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $113,819 (2026 est.). At $137,492, the local median is 2.22% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Owatonna: You'd be above the median
How Owatonna Optometrist Pay Compares
Owatonna median: $137,492/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Owatonna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $138,461 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -2.22% less |
Optometrists in Owatonna, MN earn a median of $137,492 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.22% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% below the Minnesota state average of $138,461.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Owatonna 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.
Owatonna, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $137,492 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $139,586 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
$112,692
2025 BLS Actual
$133,539
2026 Current Est.
$137,492
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Owatonna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,692 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,430 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,541 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,803 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,934 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,937 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,539 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,492 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,562 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Owatonna metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $112,692 (2019) to $133,539 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,562 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,870 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Owatonna 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) | $79,746 – $107,841 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,841 – $137,492 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,492 – $162,376 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,376 – $193,565 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Owatonna
The job market for optometrists in Owatonna is relatively small, with only six individuals currently employed in this field. This limited presence can affect salary negotiations and opportunities. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, practitioners in Owatonna enjoy a slight overall economic advantage, which positively impacts their purchasing power. Among local employers, private optometry practices often pay the highest salaries, particularly those that align with advanced training in ocular disease or offer the OD/MD model. The disparity in earnings is often driven by practice ownership equity, the dynamics involved in working with ophthalmologists, and terms associated with private equity transitions. To maximize salary potential, optometrists should consider pursuing residency training, aligning with practices that offer robust medical optometry services, and evaluating employment contracts carefully to ensure optimal compensation structures.
More salary data for Owatonna, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Owatonna, MN in 2026?
Is Owatonna, MN a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Owatonna?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Owatonna?
How much does a optometrist make per hour in Owatonna?
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 $133,539 for optometristsin the Owatonna 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 Owatonna 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