Senior Optometrist Salary in Burlington, IA: $170,554 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $170,554/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $188,666 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, IA, seasoned optometrists positioned at the top of their field can expect compelling pay, with 2026 projections indicating a remarkable annual salary of $170,554 for the 90th percentile (P90). This figure highlights a substantial discrepancy between the average salary of $122,053 and the highest earners in the region, showcasing the potential for experienced professionals to increase their financial rewards with expertise and specialization. Closing the gap to this upper echelon of salary necessitates a commitment to advanced education, extensive clinical experience, and strategic positioning in high-demand practice areas to maximize one's earning potential in the competitive market of optometry.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $144,033 and $170,554 per year (2026 est.). This $99,763 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $122,053 sits 13.2% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $122,053 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $144,033 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $170,554 | $208,165 |
In Burlington, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 39.74% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $122,053 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $144,033–$170,554 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Optometrists in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Optometrist Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #19 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $170,554).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Burlington ($170,554) is 5.72% below the Iowa average P90 ($180,902).
2019 BLS Actual
$159,031
2025 BLS Actual
$165,651
2026 Current Est.
$170,554
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $159,031 | Actual |
| 2020 | $160,432 | Actual |
| 2021 | $157,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $156,843 | Actual |
| 2023 | $167,224 | Actual |
| 2024 | $158,050 | Actual |
| 2025 | $165,651 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $170,554 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $175,603 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $159,031 in 2019 to $165,651 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.96% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $175,603 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Optometrist Earnings in Burlington
The expertise of experienced optometrists in Burlington often correlates with premium pay, particularly for those specializing in areas such as ocular disease, pediatric optometry, and low vision rehabilitation. Compensation varies significantly depending on employer type; private practices typically offer different incentives compared to retail optical chains and ophthalmology clinics, which may integrate optometrists into a more collaborative model alongside medical doctors. For senior optometrists, leadership opportunities are abundant, including roles as practice owners or partners, residency program faculty, and AOA leaders. Credentials also play a role in enhancing earnings — an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution, along with residency training for ocular disease or pediatric pathways, can lead to increased compensation. Factors beyond salary can further elevate compensation packages, such as practice ownership equity and revenue-sharing agreements with ophthalmic colleagues, making a career in Burlington not just financially rewarding but also rich in growth potential.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Burlington?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Burlington?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Burlington?
Related Pages
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $165,651 for optometrists in the Burlington metro area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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