Optometrist Salary in Bismarck, ND: $124,685 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Bismarck, ND earns a median $124,685/year (≈ $59.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Bismarck's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.0), that paycheck buys what $136,980 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the North Dakota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bismarck, North Dakota, the projected compensation for optometrists in 2026 reveals a median annual income of $124,685, which falls short of the national median of $140,612 by approximately 11.33%. The salary range for this role varies significantly, from a lower tenth percentile at $106,100 to a top percentile at $216,813. These figures are derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) occupational data, which indicates diverse employment settings for optometrists in the region. Factors such as whether one operates a private practice, joins a retail optical chain, or collaborates in an ophthalmology practice context can influence overall earnings. In Bismarck's competitive landscape, the choice between ownership and employment can drive financial outcomes, creating a dynamic market for eye care professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,100 | $51.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,001 | $53.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,685 | $59.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,262 | $82.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $216,813 | $104.24 |
Median Salary Position
11.33% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bismarck
In Bismarck, ND, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $110,713 (2026 est.). At $124,685, the local median is 11.33% below the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Bismarck: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Bismarck Optometrist Pay Compares
Bismarck median: $124,685/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bismarck Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $129,341 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -11.33% less |
Optometrists in Bismarck, ND earn a median of $124,685 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.33% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.60% below the North Dakota state average of $129,341.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bismarck has a cost of living 8.98% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bismarck, ND has a cost-of-living index of 91.024 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $124,685 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,980 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.86% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,195
2025 BLS Actual
$121,100
2026 Current Est.
$124,685
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Bismarck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,195 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,678 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,730 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,830 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,100 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,685 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,375 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bismarck metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $102,195 (2019) to $121,100 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,375 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,180 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bismarck 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) | $106,100 – $111,001 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,001 – $124,685 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,685 – $172,262 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,262 – $216,813 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Bismarck
Currently, there are about 30 optometrists employed in the Bismarck area, a figure that reflects the localized demand for eye care. With a cost-of-living index of 91.024, Bismarck offers a relatively affordable environment that enhances take-home pay for optometrists. Employers such as private optometry practices and ophthalmology groups typically provide higher compensation compared to retail optical chains. The variance in pay is shaped by elements like practice ownership, which can offer equity opportunities, and the advantages of residency training in areas like ocular disease that enhance an optometrist's qualifications. To maximize earnings, optometrists may consider pursuing residency programs, engaging with referral agreements in a cooperative setting, and exploring the burgeoning telehealth options that broaden their service accessibility in the community.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $121,100 for optometristsin the Bismarck 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-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