Optometrist Salary in South Milwaukee, WI: $140,625 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in South Milwaukee, WI earns a median $140,625/year (≈ $67.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in South Milwaukee's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $150,562 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $140,625, closely aligned with the national median of $140,612. This competitive compensation reflects the state's expanded scope of practice, which now includes the management of glaucoma, the prescription of oral medications, and select laser procedures. The salary range for optometrists in the area extends from $81,563 at the 10th percentile to $202,048 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential based on experience, practice setting, and specialization. These figures are rooted in local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, offering insight into the financial landscape for optometrists in the bustling health care environment of South Milwaukee.
About the South Milwaukee Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,563 | $39.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,006 | $54.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,625 | $67.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $161,197 | $77.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $202,048 | $97.14 |
Median Salary Position
0.01% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Milwaukee
In South Milwaukee, WI, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,485 (2026 est.). At $140,625, the local median is 0.01% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Milwaukee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Milwaukee Optometrist Pay Compares
South Milwaukee median: $140,625/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Milwaukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $148,026 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +0.01% more |
Optometrists in South Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $140,625 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.01% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 5.00% below the Wisconsin state average of $148,026.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Milwaukee 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.
South Milwaukee, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $140,625 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,562 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,260
2025 BLS Actual
$136,582
2026 Current Est.
$140,625
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in South Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,260 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,060 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,311 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,601 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,872 | Actual |
| 2024 | $115,354 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,582 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,625 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,787 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Milwaukee metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $115,260 (2019) to $136,582 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,787 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,527 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Milwaukee 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) | $81,563 – $113,006 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,006 – $140,625 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,625 – $161,197 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $161,197 – $202,048 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in South Milwaukee
In the local job market, there are currently six optometrists employed in South Milwaukee, with varying pay scales depending on their practice environments. The cost-of-living index stands at 93.4, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the relative affordability may enhance take-home purchasing power. Private optometry practices, especially those owned by residency-trained doctors, tend to offer higher compensation than retail optical chains or multi-disciplinary practices. Factors contributing to the pay disparity include ownership equity opportunities, affiliation with ophthalmologists, and specialized training—such as an ocular disease residency—which can lead to higher demand for services. To maximize earning potential, optometrists in South Milwaukee should actively seek roles in private practices or explore opportunities for partnership that may arise from current shifts toward private equity acquisitions in the field. Understanding these dynamics in optometrist pay in South Milwaukee WI can ensure that practitioners are well-positioned for career advancement and financial success in the ever-evolving optometry landscape.
More salary data for South Milwaukee, 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 $136,582 for optometristsin the South Milwaukee 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 South Milwaukee 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