Optometrist Salary in Des Moines, Iowa
The median optometrist salary in Des Moines, IA is $115,543 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.
Optometrist Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)
Des Moines offers a median optometrist salary of $115,543, which is $3,768 above the Iowa state average of $111,775. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for optometrists in Des Moines spans from $71,760 at the 10th percentile to $176,640 at the 90th percentile — a $104,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $75,440, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $163,760. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Optometrist Salary in Des Moines by Experience
In Des Moines, an entry-level optometrist earns around $75,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $163,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA
| Percentile | Des Moines |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $71,760 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,000 |
| Median (50th) | $115,543 |
| 75th Percentile | $145,360 |
| 90th Percentile | $176,640 |
Optometrist Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a Optometrist in Des Moines
Education
Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Optometrist Jobs in Des Moines
Browse open optometrist positions in Des Moines, IA: