Optometrist Salary in North Dakota: $129,414 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across North Dakota's 8 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $129,414/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because North Dakota sits at BEA RPP 92.0 (8% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $140,667 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Fargo ($132,690), Grand Forks ($126,353), West Fargo ($123,479).
The projected average median salary for optometrists in North Dakota in 2026 is $129,414, which is 8.0% lower than the national median of $140,612. Within the state, the highest-paying city for optometrists is Fargo at $136,618, while Mandan offers the lowest salary at $120,906. This gap of $15,712 can be attributed to factors such as local demand, the presence of healthcare facilities, and variations in patient populations. North Dakota has specific licensing requirements and a defined scope of practice that allow optometrists to operate effectively within the state. These regulations ensure that practice standards are maintained. The demand for optometric services in North Dakota is supported by its growing population and an annual compounded growth rate of 2.96%, indicating a steady increase in employment opportunities in the field. Top cities for optometrist salaries in 2026 also include Grand Forks at $130,093, West Fargo at $127,134, Minot at $127,043, and Dickinson at $126,492. With a total employment figure of 123 optometrists statewide, the outlook remains positive, as the state continues to require qualified professionals to meet the needs of its residents.
North Dakota Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in North Dakota: $72,004 (lowest entry-level) to $216,813 (highest top earner)
North Dakota vs National Average
North Dakota optometrists earn 7.96% less than the national median ($-11,198/year difference).
North Dakota Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in North Dakota range from $94,618 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $188,604 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $129,414. The North Dakota median is $11,198 below the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $62.22/hr. Approximately 123 optometrists are employed across 8 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$106,071
2025 BLS Actual
$125,693
2026 Current Est.
$129,414
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in North Dakota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,071 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,648 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,090 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,919 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,865 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,238 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,693 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,414 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,244 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Dakota metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $106,071 (2019) to $125,693 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,244 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,173 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Dakota 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 North Dakota
Lowest Paying Cities in North Dakota
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in North Dakota
When adjusted for local cost of living, these North Dakota cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo | $136,618 | 90.871 | $150,343 |
| Grand Forks | $130,093 | 92 | $141,405 |
| West Fargo | $127,134 | 92 | $138,189 |
| Minot | $127,043 | 92 | $138,090 |
| Dickinson | $126,492 | 92 | $137,491 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in North Dakota
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $94,618 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $129,414 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $188,604 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across North Dakota metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 8 Cities in North Dakota
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fargo | $136,618 |
| 2 | Grand Forks | $130,093 |
| 3 | West Fargo | $127,134 |
| 4 | Minot | $127,043 |
| 5 | Dickinson | $126,492 |
| 6 | Bismarck | $124,685 |
| 7 | Williston | $123,440 |
| 8 | Mandan | $120,906 |
More North Dakota Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced optometrists.
Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in North Dakota in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in North Dakota?
How does North Dakota optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in North Dakota?
How many optometrists are employed in North Dakota?
Which North Dakota 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 North Dakota. State averages are employment-weighted across 8 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, 5-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