Optometrist Salary in South Dakota: $126,914 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across South Dakota's 11 metropolitan areas, the average median optometrist pay sits at $126,914/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1041. Because South Dakota sits at BEA RPP 92.8 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $136,761 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Rapid City ($128,205), Sioux Falls ($124,470), Watertown ($121,863).
In 2026, the average median salary for optometrists in South Dakota is projected at $126,914, which is approximately 9.7% lower than the national median of $140,612. Rapid City is the highest paying city in the state, with an average salary of $132,000, while Huron offers the lowest at $120,339, creating a salary gap of $11,661. This difference is mainly driven by variations in cost of living, population density, and demand for eye care services across different regions. To practice in South Dakota, optometrists must meet state licensing requirements, which include obtaining a Doctor of Optometry degree and passing national board examinations. The scope of practice laws enable optometrists in South Dakota to perform a range of clinical duties, contributing to the demand for their services. With a projected annual compound growth rate of 2.96% for optometrists, the job market shows a steady demand for eye care professionals. The top projected cities for optometrist salaries in 2026 include Sioux Falls at $128,154, Watertown at $125,470, Yankton at $125,431, and Spearfish at $125,117. Understanding these local salary trends and the regulatory framework can help you make informed career decisions in the optometry field in South Dakota.
South Dakota Optometrist Salary Range
Overall salary range in South Dakota: $71,105 (lowest entry-level) to $196,312 (highest top earner)
South Dakota vs National Average
South Dakota optometrists earn 9.74% less than the national median ($-13,698/year difference).
South Dakota Optometrist Salary Distribution (2026)
Optometrist salaries in South Dakota range from $85,647 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $162,556 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $126,914. The South Dakota median is $13,698 below the US national median of $140,612. The average hourly rate is $61.02/hr. Approximately 131 optometrists are employed across 11 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$114,800
2025 BLS Actual
$123,265
2026 Current Est.
$126,914
2019–2027 Growth
+13.8%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in South Dakota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,800 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,368 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,327 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,265 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,914 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,670 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Dakota metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 7.4% from $114,800 (2019) to $123,265 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,670 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,870 (13.82%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South 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 South Dakota
Lowest Paying Cities in South Dakota
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Huron | $120,339 |
| Vermillion | $120,525 |
| Brookings | $120,554 |
| Pierre | $122,596 |
| Aberdeen | $124,007 |
Best Value Cities for Optometrists in South Dakota
When adjusted for local cost of living, these South Dakota cities offer the most purchasing power for optometrists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City | $132,000 | 92.8 | $142,241 |
| Sioux Falls | $128,154 | 90.631 | $141,402 |
| Watertown | $125,470 | 92.8 | $135,205 |
| Yankton | $125,431 | 92.8 | $135,163 |
| Spearfish | $125,117 | 92.8 | $134,824 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $85,647 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $126,914 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $162,556 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across South Dakota metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 11 Cities in South Dakota
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rapid City | $132,000 |
| 2 | Sioux Falls | $128,154 |
| 3 | Watertown | $125,470 |
| 4 | Yankton | $125,431 |
| 5 | Spearfish | $125,117 |
| 6 | Mitchell | $124,214 |
| 7 | Aberdeen | $124,007 |
| 8 | Pierre | $122,596 |
| 9 | Brookings | $120,554 |
| 10 | Vermillion | $120,525 |
| 11 | Huron | $120,339 |
More South Dakota Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore optometrist hourly pay in South Dakota cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced optometrists.
Explore More Optometrist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in South Dakota in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for optometrists in South Dakota?
How does South Dakota optometrist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in South Dakota?
How many optometrists are employed in South Dakota?
Which South 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 South Dakota. State averages are employment-weighted across 11 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, 7-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