SOC 29-1041 · May 2025 · BLS OEWS
Optometrists — Southeast Minnesota
Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area · 2 metro areas compared
In Southeast Minnesota, MN the median wage for Optometrists is $150,080 a year, which is 9.9% higher than the national figure of $136,570.
Wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Salary overview
In Southeast Minnesota, MN the median wage for Optometrists is $150,080 a year, which is 9.9% higher than the national figure of $136,570. The middle half of workers in this occupation earn between $127,220 and $191,450. The lowest tenth earn under $108,670, while the highest tenth earn more than $208,070.
The area has 50 jobs in this occupation, giving a location quotient of 1.07 — a measure of how concentrated the occupation is here relative to the country as a whole. Within the state, Minneapolis records the highest median at $159,790. Of the 388 occupations with published wages in this area, it sits 10th.
Percentile breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | vs US median |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $108,670 | −20.4% |
| 25th | $127,220 | −6.8% |
| Median (50th) | $150,080 | +9.9% |
| 75th | $191,450 | +40.2% |
| 90th | $208,070 | +52.4% |
| Mean | $154,030 | +12.8% |
Other metro areas in Minnesota
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minneapolis | $159,790 | 470 | |
| 2 | St. Cloud | $131,960 | 30 |
What the pay is worth locally
Prices in Southeast Minnesota sit close to the national average, so $150,080 is worth roughly its face value against pay elsewhere.
Published median
$150,080as reported by BLSLocal price level
98.6US average = 100 · BEA 2024Adjusted for local prices
$152,211US average = 100 · BEA 2024Key takeaways
- Median pay is $150,080 a year, 9.9% above the national median.
- Published pay spans $108,670 to $208,070 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles.
- The area has 50 jobs in this occupation.
- The highest-paying metro area covered is Minneapolis, at $159,790.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median wage for Optometrists in Southeast Minnesota, MN?
The median annual wage is $150,080, or $72.16 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 Southeast Minnesota, MN is 9.9% higher. 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 Southeast Minnesota, MN earns more than $208,070 per year. The ninetieth percentile is the highest figure the survey publishes.
What is the starting range?
The tenth percentile wage is $108,670 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 Minneapolis, at $159,790 per year.
How many jobs are there in this occupation here?
The survey estimates 50 jobs in this occupation in Southeast Minnesota, MN. 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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