Average Optometrists Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
The average salary for a Optometrists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $128,060. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $128,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $173,310.
- Outlook: The current demand for Optometristss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 120 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-9.5%below the national average.
$61.6
$2,463
$10,672
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Optometrists salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 41.6%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
The earning potential for Optometristss in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $77,400, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $173,310.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $77,400 | $37.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $96,045 | $46.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $127,140 | $61.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $160,075 | $77 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $173,310 | $83.3 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$128,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$128,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $128,060 to $128,060.
Job Market Context
120
Total Jobs
0.309
Per 1K Jobs
1.14
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.14, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Optometrists roles compared to the national norm.
120 people work as Optometrists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
Only 0.309 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Optometrists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Optometrists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Optometrists Salary | $127,100↓ 1% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Optometrists Salary | $114,420↓ 11% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Hiring Optometristss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $128,060. This typically ranges from $77,400 for entry-level positions to $173,310 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 9.5% lower than the national median of $141,560.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place for Optometristss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Optometrists salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $128,060 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Optometrists?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area ($127,100) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 120 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.309 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Optometrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA