Optometrist Salary in De Pere, WI: $145,331 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in De Pere, WI earns a median $145,331/year (≈ $69.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in De Pere's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $155,601 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In De Pere, Wisconsin, the projected annual compensation for optometrists in 2026 reaches a median of $145,331, reflecting a favorable position compared to the national median of $140,612. This city-specific salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $84,292 and top earners achieving as much as $201,805. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, with adjustments reflecting regional economic conditions. One notable contributor to this higher compensation is the prevalence of the OD/MD model surgical co-management, which enhances revenue streams for local optometrists and plays a significant role in the overall salary structure. As the local job market for optometry continues to grow, De Pere remains an attractive location for both newly graduated ODs and seasoned practitioners.
About the De Pere Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,292 | $40.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,237 | $55.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $145,331 | $69.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,624 | $83.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $201,805 | $97.02 |
Median Salary Position
3.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in De Pere
In De Pere, WI, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,513 (2026 est.). At $145,331, the local median is 3.36% above the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in De Pere: You'd be above the median
How De Pere Optometrist Pay Compares
De Pere median: $145,331/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | De Pere Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $147,995 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +3.36% more |
Optometrists in De Pere, WI earn a median of $145,331 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.36% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $147,995.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
De Pere has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
De Pere, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $145,331 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $155,601 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,118
2025 BLS Actual
$141,153
2026 Current Est.
$145,331
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in De Pere (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,118 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,012 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,471 | Actual |
| 2022 | $129,805 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,285 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,214 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,153 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,331 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,633 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the De Pere metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $119,118 (2019) to $141,153 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,633 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,515 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the De Pere 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) | $84,292 – $115,237 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,237 – $145,331 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $145,331 – $172,624 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,624 – $201,805 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in De Pere
The job market in De Pere currently employs six optometrists, offering a pathway for professionals entering this competitive field. With a cost-of-living index of 93.4, living expenses in De Pere are below the national average, preserving more purchasing power for those working in the profession. The highest-paying opportunities are typically found in private optometry practices and ophthalmology settings, especially for those who engage in surgical co-management. Variations in pay can be attributed to several factors, including ownership equity, specialties such as ocular disease, and work settings—whether it's a group practice versus a retail optical chain. To maximize earning potential in De Pere, optometrists should consider pursuing additional residency training or securing positions that leverage the OD/MD partnership, both of which can lead to increased compensation and enhanced career prospects in this evolving market.
More salary data for De Pere, WI:
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 $141,153 for optometristsin the De Pere 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 De Pere 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