Average Optometrists Salary in Minnesota
Optometrists in Minnesota earn an impressive average annual salary of $143,450, slightly surpassing the national average of $141,560. This competitive compensation reflects the state's demand for specialized eye care professionals and the specific economic factors influencing healthcare wages within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $143,450 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $199,990.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 700 Optometrists and a Location Quotient of 0.88, Minnesota presents a stable, albeit slightly below-average concentration, job market for this profession. The presence of a substantial workforce indicates consistent demand and established career pathways, suggesting a robust environment for experienced professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Optometrists in Minnesota earns+1.3%above the national average.
$69
$2,759
$11,954
Optometrists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Optometrist salaries in Minnesota have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the healthcare sector. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, technological advancements, and inflation likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for these professionals.
Optometrists Salary Distribution in Minnesota
Career progression for Optometrists in Minnesota typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise, build a patient base, and potentially specialize, their earning potential can rise substantially, reaching higher percentiles that signify senior-level compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $93,430 | $44.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $107,588 | $51.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $150,020 | $72.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $179,313 | $86.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $199,990 | $96.1 |
Detailed Optometrists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$143,450
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$151,960
Adjusted for COL (94.4)
The average annual salary of $143,450 in Minnesota offers excellent purchasing power, especially considering the local Cost of Living Index is 94.4, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary translates to a higher real income, allowing Optometrists to enjoy a comfortable standard of living.
Job Market Context
700
Total Jobs
0.238
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Minnesota has 0.88x the national average concentration of Optometrists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.88 suggests that Optometrists are slightly less concentrated in Minnesota compared to the national average. This indicates a healthy job market where demand is met by a sufficient, but not overly saturated, supply of professionals, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Optometrists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Optometrists Salary | $145,170↑ 1% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near Minnesota
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Optometrists make in Minnesota?
The median annual salary for a Optometrists in Minnesota is $143,450. This typically ranges from $93,430 for entry-level positions to $199,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Minnesota is 1.3% higher than the national median of $141,560.
Is Minnesota a lucrative place for Optometrists?
Yes, Minnesota is a lucrative place for Optometrists.Optometrists in Minnesota earn above the national average salary, and the state's cost of living is below the national average, enhancing overall financial well-being.
Is Minnesota a good place to live for Optometrists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Minnesota?
Some top paying nearby cities include Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI ($145,170) and others.
How does the number of Optometrists in Minnesota compare nationally?
Minnesota has an estimated 700 Optometrists, and the state's Location Quotient of 0.88 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
What is the cost of living for Optometrists in Minnesota?
The cost of living in Minnesota is favorable for Optometrists, with an index of 94.4, which is below the national average of 100, making the average salary more valuable.
Are there many job opportunities for Optometrists in Minnesota?
With 0.238 jobs per 1,000 workers, Minnesota offers a steady stream of opportunities for Optometrists, reflecting consistent demand within the state's healthcare system.
How does Minnesota's average Optometrist salary compare to the national average?
Optometrists in Minnesota earn an average of $143,450 annually, which is slightly higher than the national average of $141,560.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 700 employees in the Minnesota area with a job density of 0.238 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 Minnesota