SOC 29-1041 · May 2025 · BLS OEWS
Optometrists — South Central Wisconsin
South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area · 6 metro areas compared
Median pay for this occupation in South Central Wisconsin, WI is $125,050 a year, trailing the national median of $136,570 by 8.4%.
Wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Salary overview
Median pay for this occupation in South Central Wisconsin, WI is $125,050 a year, trailing the national median of $136,570 by 8.4%. The middle half of workers in this occupation earn between $116,330 and $159,790. The lowest tenth earn under $49,900, while the highest tenth earn more than $172,370.
The area has 50 jobs in this occupation, which works out to 0.3 of every thousand jobs. Within the state, La Crosse records the highest median at $175,810. Of the 421 occupations with published wages in this area, it sits 16th.
Percentile breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | vs US median |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $49,900 | −63.5% |
| 25th | $116,330 | −14.8% |
| Median (50th) | $125,050 | −8.4% |
| 75th | $159,790 | +17.0% |
| 90th | $172,370 | +26.2% |
| Mean | $130,420 | −4.5% |
Other metro areas in Wisconsin
What the pay is worth locally
Prices in South Central Wisconsin run 5.9% below the national average, so the median of $125,050 goes as far as $132,891 would elsewhere in the country. Measured that way it compares to the national median at 2.7% below the national median in real terms.
Published median
$125,050as reported by BLSLocal price level
94.1US average = 100 · BEA 2024Adjusted for local prices
$132,891US average = 100 · BEA 2024Key takeaways
- Median pay is $125,050 a year, 8.4% below the national median.
- Published pay spans $49,900 to $172,370 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles.
- The area has 50 jobs in this occupation.
- The highest-paying metro area covered is La Crosse, at $175,810.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median wage for Optometrists in South Central Wisconsin, WI?
The median annual wage is $125,050, or $60.12 per hour, as of May 2025. Half of the workers in this occupation earn more than that and half earn less.
Is that higher than the national average?
The national median for this occupation is $136,570, so pay in South Central Wisconsin, WI is 8.4% lower. These figures are medians, not averages: half of workers fall on each side.
What do the top earners make?
The top tenth of this occupation in South Central Wisconsin, WI earns more than $172,370 per year. The ninetieth percentile is the highest figure the survey publishes.
What is the starting range?
The tenth percentile wage is $49,900 per year. The survey measures wages actually paid rather than experience level, so this reflects the lowest-paid tenth rather than entry-level pay specifically.
Which area nearby pays the most?
The highest median for this occupation among the metro areas covered is in La Crosse, at $175,810 per year.
How many jobs are there in this occupation here?
The survey estimates 50 jobs in this occupation in South Central Wisconsin, WI. Self-employed workers are not included.
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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