Optometrist Salary in Superior, WI: $141,633 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Superior, WI earns a median $141,633/year (≈ $68.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Superior's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $151,641 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected optometrist salary in Superior, Wisconsin, is set at $141,633, reflecting a slight increase over national averages. The overall salary range varies significantly from $83,252 at the lower end (P10) to $208,342 for those in the top tier (P90). This estimate, derived from state-level BLS data and regional price adjustments, highlights how factors such as practice ownership versus employed associate roles can influence compensation in this market. With only seven optometrists currently working in the area, job opportunities may be limited, but those who choose independent private practices or optometry groups potentially position themselves for higher earnings compared to retail chains.
About the Superior Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,252 | $40.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,488 | $56.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,633 | $68.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,289 | $82.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $208,342 | $100.16 |
Median Salary Position
0.73% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Superior
In Superior, WI, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $125,090 (2026 est.). At $141,633, the local median is 0.73% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Superior: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Superior Optometrist Pay Compares
Superior median: $141,633/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Superior Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $147,997 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +0.73% more |
Optometrists in Superior, WI earn a median of $141,633 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.73% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 4.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $147,997.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Superior 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.
Superior, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $141,633 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $151,641 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,086
2025 BLS Actual
$137,561
2026 Current Est.
$141,633
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Superior (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,086 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,907 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,202 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,501 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,817 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,561 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,633 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,825 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Superior metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $116,086 (2019) to $137,561 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,825 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,739 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Superior 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) | $83,252 – $116,488 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,488 – $141,633 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,633 – $172,289 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,289 – $208,342 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Superior
Analyzing the local context, the cost-of-living index in Superior sits below the national average at 93.4, suggesting that while salaries seem competitive, the actual purchasing power for residents may vary. Among the various employers, private practices often yield higher pay than retail optical chains such as LensCrafters or Pearle Vision. Factors contributing to the disparity in pay include practice ownership, the inclusion of residency-trained optometrists, and the collaborative reimbursement models seen in OD/MD practices. For those exploring optometrist pay in Superior WI, maximizing earning potential may involve seeking positions in private practices, pursuing advanced training in specialties, and remaining adaptable as the landscape of optometry changes, especially given ongoing expansions in scope of practice.
More salary data for Superior, 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 $137,561 for optometristsin the Superior 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 Superior 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