Optometrist Salary in Mandan, ND: $120,906 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Mandan, ND earns a median $120,906/year (≈ $58.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Mandan's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $131,420 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% below the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For optometrists in Mandan, North Dakota, 2026 projections place the median annual salary at $120,906, which is notably lower than the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists in the area spans from $74,951 at the 10th percentile to $169,697 for those at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy degree of variance in earnings. These salary estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost of living factors. The structure of employment in Mandan heavily influences pay rates, with options including practice ownership, employment as an associate, or positions within retail optical chains. Optometrists in independent practices often have more control over their earnings compared to those in retail settings, reflecting the broader trends in the profession.
About the Mandan Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,951 | $36.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,458 | $47.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $120,906 | $58.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $143,501 | $68.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $169,697 | $81.59 |
Median Salary Position
14.01% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mandan
In Mandan, ND, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $94,746 (2026 est.). At $120,906, the local median is 14.01% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mandan: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mandan Optometrist Pay Compares
Mandan median: $120,906/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mandan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $129,311 | -6.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -14.01% less |
Optometrists in Mandan, ND earn a median of $120,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.01% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 6.50% below the North Dakota state average of $129,311.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mandan 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.
Mandan, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $120,906 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $131,420 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.7% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,098
2025 BLS Actual
$117,430
2026 Current Est.
$120,906
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Mandan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,098 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,506 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,989 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,380 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,061 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,430 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,906 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,485 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mandan metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $99,098 (2019) to $117,430 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $124,485 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,387 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mandan 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) | $74,951 – $99,458 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,458 – $120,906 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $120,906 – $143,501 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $143,501 – $169,697 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Mandan
The job market for optometrists in Mandan consists of a tight-knit group, with only six practitioners currently employed locally. The cost-of-living index of 92 suggests that living expenses are lower than the national average, which can enhance purchasing power for residents. In this environment, private optometry practices tend to provide the highest compensation, particularly for those with specialty training or experience. Factors driving the significant pay differences include the equity associated with practice ownership, configurations of modern OD/MD models, and differing business structures, including those owned by private equity firms. To maximize income in this unique market, optometrists should consider pursuing advanced residency training, which can open doors to higher salaries and specialized roles. Additionally, understanding the nuances of local employment agreements and patient volumes can aid in negotiating better terms as the demand for expanded services continues to rise.
More salary data for Mandan, 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 $117,430 for optometristsin the Mandan 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 Mandan 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