Healthcare South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Optometrist Salary in South Dakota

The median optometrist salary in South Dakota is $110,519 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $125,590.

Median Salary
$110,519
vs National
$-15,071
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Optometrist Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level optometrist earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $156,640 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota 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 South Dakota

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

Optometrist Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for optometrists in South Dakota include Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Brookings. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Sioux Falls, SD
$115,543
Pop. 192,517 · COL 92%
Rapid City, SD
$113,031
Pop. 74,703 · COL 90%
Aberdeen, SD
$105,496
Pop. 28,324 · COL 84%
Brookings, SD
$108,007
Pop. 24,194 · COL 86%
Mitchell, SD
$102,984
Pop. 15,660 · COL 82%

How to Become a Optometrist in South Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook in South Dakota

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

Find Optometrist Jobs in South Dakota

Browse open optometrist positions in South Dakota:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Optometrist make in South Dakota? ▼
The median optometrist salary in South Dakota 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 South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,519, a optometrist in South Dakota earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for optometrists? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for optometrist pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level optometrists earn $72,160, while senior professionals earn $156,640.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for optometrist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for optometrists is Hawaii at $223,550. South Dakota's median of $110,519 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($111,775) and Missouri ($110,519).
What is the entry-level optometrist salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level optometrist in South Dakota earns approximately $72,160 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $112,640. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $156,640.
What city in South Dakota pays optometrists the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for optometrists, with a median salary of $115,543. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.