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Average Optometrists Salary in Iowa

Optometrists in Iowa earn an average annual salary of $125,530, which is notably below the national average of $141,560. This difference in compensation is often influenced by a variety of regional economic factors, including the cost of living and the specific demand dynamics within the state's healthcare sector.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $125,530 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.6% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $178,520.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 460 Optometrists, Iowa presents a moderately concentrated job market, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.08. This suggests that the profession is slightly more prevalent in Iowa than the national average, implying a stable demand for skilled eye care professionals within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$125,530

The average Optometrists in Iowa earns-11.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$60.4

Weekly

$2,414

Monthly

$10,461

Optometrists Salary Distribution in Iowa

Salary progression for Optometrists in Iowa typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior practitioners with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects significant career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential over time.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$77,000$37
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$94,148$45.3
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$119,990$57.7
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$156,913$75.4
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$178,520$85.8

Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$125,530

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$139,944

Adjusted for COL (89.7)

An average annual salary of $125,530 in Iowa is quite advantageous when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 89.7. This index, being below the national average of 100, indicates that the purchasing power of an Optometrist's salary in Iowa is likely higher than the nominal figure suggests, allowing for a comfortable standard of living.

Job Market Context

460

Total Jobs

0.292

Per 1K Jobs

1.08

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.08, Iowa has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Optometrists roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.08 for Optometrists in Iowa signifies a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy presence and potentially robust demand for these professionals within the state, indicating a competitive yet accessible market for both employers and job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Optometrists

CitySalaryDist.
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Optometrists Salary$128,060↑ 2%37 mi
Cedar Rapids, IA Optometrists Salary$131,010↑ 4%79 mi

Comparing salaries near Iowa

Hiring Optometristss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Optometrists make in Iowa?

The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Iowa is $125,530. This typically ranges from $77,000 for entry-level positions to $178,520 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Iowa is 11.3% lower than the national median of $141,560.

Is Iowa a lucrative place for Optometrists?

Yes, Iowa offers a strong financial standing for Optometrists.Despite a nominal salary slightly below the national average, Iowa's lower cost of living significantly enhances the purchasing power of an Optometrist's earnings, making it a financially attractive location.

Is Iowa a good place to live for Optometrists?

With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa?

Some top paying nearby cities include Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ($128,060) and Cedar Rapids, IA.

What is the average salary for an Optometrist in Iowa?

The average annual salary for an Optometrist in Iowa is $125,530.

How does Iowa's cost of living compare to the national average?

Iowa's cost of living is below the national average, with an index of 89.7 compared to the national benchmark of 100.

Is the job market for Optometrists strong in Iowa?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.08 indicates a slightly higher concentration of Optometrists in Iowa compared to the national average, suggesting a stable job market.

How many Optometrists are there in Iowa?

There are approximately 460 Optometrists working in Iowa.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 460 employees in the Iowa area with a job density of 0.292 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Optometrists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Iowa