Senior Optometrist Salary in Des Moines, IA: $183,598 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Des Moines, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $183,598/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Des Moines's price premium (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $200,214 in average-cost America. The 37% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, senior optometrists in Des Moines, IA, can anticipate an impressive median annual salary of $133,621. Top earners in this region can command salaries as high as $183,598, while the 75th percentile still sees significant compensation at approximately $170,893. When comparing these figures to national averages, which stand at $140,612, the earning potential for experienced optometrists in Des Moines falls roughly 4.97% below the national median. This gap between middle and high earners underscores the experience premium that top-tier professionals enjoy, showing that those who have honed their skills and deep knowledge of fields like ocular disease and advanced therapeutic techniques see a substantial financial reward. Achieving these high salary figures typically requires strong professional acumen, extensive clinical experience, and often specialization in high-demand areas.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Des Moines earn between $170,893 and $183,598 per year (2026 est.). This $113,657 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Des Moines median of $133,621 sits 4.97% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Des Moines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $133,621 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,893 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $183,598 | $208,165 |
In Des Moines, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 37.40% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Des Moines
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $133,621 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Des Moines employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Des Moines command premium compensation, often reaching the $170,893–$183,598 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Des Moines metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDes Moines ranks #8 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $183,598).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Des Moines ($183,598) is 1.49% above the Iowa average P90 ($180,902).
2019 BLS Actual
$171,194
2025 BLS Actual
$178,320
2026 Current Est.
$183,598
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $171,194 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,530 | Actual |
| 2021 | $174,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $178,710 | Actual |
| 2023 | $170,220 | Actual |
| 2024 | $173,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $178,320 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $183,598 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $189,033 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Des Moines saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $171,194 in 2019 to $178,320 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 $189,033 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Several factors contribute to the variance in senior optometrist pay in Des Moines. Specific specializations, such as ocular disease, pediatric optometry, and vision therapy, are known to command premium salaries due to their complexity and demand. Compensation also differs significantly across different employer types, with private practice owners and multi-location operators frequently enjoying higher pay compared to retail chains. Career advancement is viable through roles like practice owner or associate OD, providing pathways for increased earnings and influence in the field. Obtaining advanced credentials, such as a residency in ocular disease or certifications for glaucoma management and oral pharmaceutical agents, can elevate salary prospects in Iowa. Additionally, ownership equity in a private practice or partnering in an OD/MD model can strengthen one's earnings potential, especially as the market evolves with growing interest from private equity in previously independent practices. Non-salary compensation also plays a role, often enhancing the total value of the senior optometrist position significantly.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Des Moines in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Des Moines?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Des Moines?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Des Moines?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Des Moines?
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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 $178,320 for optometrists in the Des Moines 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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