Senior Optometrist Salary in Sioux Falls, SD: $149,436 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Sioux Falls, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $149,436/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Sioux Falls's price premium (BEA RPP 90.6, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $164,884 in average-cost America. The 17% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Sioux Falls, the potential for experienced optometrists to achieve top-tier compensation is reflected in the projected 2026 salaries, where the 90th percentile can earn as much as $149,436 annually. This figure represents a significant earning potential compared to the national top earners in the field, who average $140,612. The gap between the median salary of $128,154 and the premium pay of $149,436 showcases the benefits of extensive experience, advanced credentials, and specialization. To reach these top tiers, optometrists may focus on areas such as ocular disease or pediatric optometry, embrace advanced certifications, and pursue leadership positions in their practices.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sioux Falls
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Sioux Falls earn between $135,423 and $149,436 per year (2026 est.). This $53,138 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Sioux Falls median of $128,154 sits 8.86% below the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Sioux Falls | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $128,154 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,423 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $149,436 | $208,165 |
In Sioux Falls, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 16.61% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Sioux Falls
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $128,154 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Sioux Falls employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Sioux Falls command premium compensation, often reaching the $135,423–$149,436 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Sioux Falls metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Sioux Falls 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 South Dakota 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 Sioux Falls
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSioux Falls ranks #11 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $149,436).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Sioux Falls ($149,436) is 8.07% below the South Dakota average P90 ($162,556).
2019 BLS Actual
$187,480
2025 BLS Actual
$145,140
2026 Current Est.
$149,436
2019–2027 Growth
+-17.9%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Sioux Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $187,480 | Actual |
| 2020 | $146,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $167,710 | Actual |
| 2022 | $158,590 | Actual |
| 2023 | $155,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $140,360 | Actual |
| 2025 | $145,140 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $149,436 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $153,859 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Sioux Falls saw their compensation grow -22.6% from $187,480 in 2019 to $145,140 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 $153,859 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls
Senior optometrists in Sioux Falls can enhance their earning capacity through specific professional specializations which command premium pay. Areas such as ocular disease management, vision therapy, and sports vision are highly sought after, allowing these professionals to differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Compensation varies significantly depending on the setting; for instance, opting for private practice ownership or working alongside ophthalmologists in an OD/MD model can lead to higher earnings compared to retail chains. Leadership pathways offer further advancement opportunities, from becoming an associate OD to taking on roles as a practice owner or educator in residency programs. Additionally, possessing advanced credentials, such as board certifications or specialty training in ocular disease, can make a substantial difference in compensation, particularly in SD's evolving optometry market where roles are increasingly integrated with broader health care practices.
More salary data for Sioux Falls, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Sioux Falls in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Sioux Falls?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Sioux Falls?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Sioux Falls?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Sioux Falls?
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 $145,140 for optometrists in the Sioux Falls 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, 7-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