Optometrist Salary in Yankton, SD: $125,431 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Yankton, SD earns a median $125,431/year (≈ $60.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Yankton's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $135,163 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Yankton, SD, optometrists can anticipate a median annual salary of $125,431, reflecting the local market's dynamics in comparison to nationwide figures. The salary range extends from $73,127 for entry-level positions to $171,238 for those at the top of their field. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic factors, highlight varying pay structures based on practice ownership. Optometrists in Yankton may find better compensation through private practices, where ownership can lead to higher earnings compared to employed associates or positions within retail chains like LensCrafters. The evolving market for eye care professionals favors those who are adaptable to differing employment models while navigating the competitive compensation landscape.
About the Yankton Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,127 | $35.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,647 | $49.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,431 | $60.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145,521 | $69.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $171,238 | $82.33 |
Median Salary Position
10.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Yankton
In Yankton, SD, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $98,111 (2026 est.). At $125,431, the local median is 10.8% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Yankton: You'd be above the median
How Yankton Optometrist Pay Compares
Yankton median: $125,431/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Yankton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $130,521 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -10.80% less |
Optometrists in Yankton, SD earn a median of $125,431 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.80% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.90% below the South Dakota state average of $130,521.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Yankton has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Yankton, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $125,431 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,163 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,807
2025 BLS Actual
$121,825
2026 Current Est.
$125,431
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Yankton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,807 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,305 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,030 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,624 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,504 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,825 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,431 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,144 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Yankton metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $102,807 (2019) to $121,825 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $129,144 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,337 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Yankton 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) | $73,127 – $102,647 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,647 – $125,431 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,431 – $145,521 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $145,521 – $171,238 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Yankton
The local job market for optometrists in Yankton includes a modest pool of just four professionals engaged in the field, contributing to a somewhat concentrated environment for employment opportunities. With a cost-of-living index of 92.8, the economic landscape presents unique advantages, as this figure is below the national average, enhancing the overall purchasing power for those earning an optometrist salary in Yankton. Employers in the region that tend to offer higher pay typically involve private optometry practices and ophthalmology collaborations that include surgical revenue-sharing opportunities. Additionally, those aiming for the best earnings should consider pursuing specialized residency training, which may lead to competitive advantages in pay negotiations. To effectively maximize their salary potential, optometrists should focus on enhancing their qualifications and exploring diverse practice environments, including integrating into larger healthcare systems or considering joint ventures that leverage both clinical acumen and business goals.
More salary data for Yankton, SD:
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 $121,825 for optometristsin the Yankton 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 Yankton 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