Optometrist Salary in Dickinson, ND: $126,492 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Dickinson, ND earns a median $126,492/year (≈ $60.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Dickinson's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $137,491 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Dickinson, North Dakota, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $126,492, which reflects a competitive figure within the local market. The salary range spans from $73,365 at the 10th percentile to $186,579 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the diverse earning potential in this profession. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments suggest that an optometrist’s income can be influenced significantly by the OD/MD model of surgical co-management, which not only enhances patient care but also adds to revenue streams through collaborative practices. Given these dynamics, the job market for optometrists in Dickinson indicates a robust potential, particularly for those who consider various practice settings.
About the Dickinson Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,365 | $35.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,657 | $47.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,492 | $60.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $146,993 | $70.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $186,579 | $89.70 |
Median Salary Position
10.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dickinson
In Dickinson, ND, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $113,214 (2026 est.). At $126,492, the local median is 10.04% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dickinson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dickinson Optometrist Pay Compares
Dickinson median: $126,492/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dickinson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $129,337 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -10.04% less |
Optometrists in Dickinson, ND earn a median of $126,492 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.04% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.20% below the North Dakota state average of $129,337.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dickinson has a cost of living 8.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dickinson, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $126,492 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $137,491 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.7% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$103,676
2025 BLS Actual
$122,855
2026 Current Est.
$126,492
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Dickinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,676 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,195 | Actual |
| 2021 | $111,817 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,978 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,618 | Actual |
| 2024 | $115,146 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,855 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,492 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,236 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dickinson metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $103,676 (2019) to $122,855 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,236 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,560 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dickinson 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) | $73,365 – $99,657 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,657 – $126,492 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,492 – $146,993 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $146,993 – $186,579 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Dickinson
The local job market has about four optometrists servicing the community, which creates a niche yet competitive environment. With a cost-of-living index at 92, practitioners may find that their earnings provide a decent purchasing power compared to national averages, essential for effective financial planning. Employers in Dickinson include private optometry practices and retail optical chains like Visionworks or Walmart Vision, with ophthalmology practices potentially offering the highest compensation through surgical co-management opportunities. Factors contributing to the salary variation include practice ownership dynamics, the influence of residency training, and the terms following private equity acquisitions of practices. For those looking to maximize their optometrist pay in Dickinson, focusing on establishing ties with ophthalmologists or pursuing additional certifications in advanced ocular care could be advantageous strategies to enhance both professional growth and earnings.
More salary data for Dickinson, 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 $122,855 for optometristsin the Dickinson 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 Dickinson 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