Healthcare Cedar Rapids, IA Pop. 137,710

Optometrist Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median optometrist salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $110,519 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$110,519
vs State Avg
$-1,256
vs National
$-15,071
Cost of Living
88%

Optometrist Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median optometrist salary of $110,519, which is $1,256 below the Iowa state average of $111,775. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $110,519 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $125,590 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Cedar Rapids spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $168,960 at the 90th percentile — a $100,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,160, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $156,640. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level optometrist earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $156,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,640
$-15,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$156,640
$-21,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

Percentile Cedar Rapids
10th Percentile $68,640
25th Percentile $88,000
Median (50th) $110,519
75th Percentile $139,040
90th Percentile $168,960

Optometrist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$119,311
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$115,543
Pop. 214,133
Davenport, IA
$108,007
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$105,496
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Optometrist in Cedar Rapids

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Cedar Rapids and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Cedar Rapids may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open optometrist positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Optometrist make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $110,519 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $68,640 (10th percentile) to $168,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,519, a optometrist in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median optometrist salary of $110,519 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $111,775. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $110,519 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Cedar Rapids require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.