Healthcare Iowa (IA) Rank #40 of 50

Optometrist Salary in Iowa

The median optometrist salary in Iowa is $111,775 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $125,590.

Median Salary
$111,775
vs National
$-13,815
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Optometrist Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level optometrist earns around $72,980, while experienced professionals earn up to $158,420 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,980
$-9,020 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$113,920
$-14,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$158,420
$-19,580 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $69,420
25th Percentile $89,000
Median (50th) $111,775
75th Percentile $140,620
90th Percentile $170,880

Optometrist Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for optometrists in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Des Moines, IA
$115,543
Pop. 214,133 · COL 92%
Cedar Rapids, IA
$110,519
Pop. 137,710 · COL 88%
Davenport, IA
$108,007
Pop. 101,724 · COL 86%
Sioux City, IA
$105,496
Pop. 85,797 · COL 84%
Iowa City, IA
$119,311
Pop. 74,828 · COL 95%

How to Become a Optometrist in Iowa

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Iowa

Browse open optometrist positions in Iowa:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Iowa

How much does a Optometrist make in Iowa? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Iowa is $111,775 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $69,420 (10th percentile) to $170,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $111,775, a optometrist in Iowa earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for optometrists? ▼
Iowa ranks #40 out of 50 states for optometrist pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level optometrists earn $72,980, while senior professionals earn $158,420.
How does Iowa compare to other states for optometrist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for optometrists is Hawaii at $223,550. Iowa's median of $111,775 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($113,031) and Wyoming ($113,031).
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level optometrist in Iowa earns approximately $72,980 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $113,920. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $158,420.
What city in Iowa pays optometrists the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for optometrists, with a median salary of $119,311. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.