Healthcare Mitchell, SD Pop. 15,660

Optometrist Salary in Mitchell, South Dakota

The median optometrist salary in Mitchell, SD is $102,984 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 6.8% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$102,984
vs State Avg
$-7,535
vs National
$-22,606
Cost of Living
82%

Optometrist Pay in Mitchell: What to Expect (2026)

Mitchell offers a median optometrist salary of $102,984, which is $7,535 below the South Dakota state average of $110,519. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Mitchell pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Mitchell's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $102,984 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $125,590 in an average-cost city. This makes Mitchell an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Mitchell spans from $63,960 at the 10th percentile to $157,440 at the 90th percentile — a $93,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,240, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,960. Mitchell is a smaller market (pop. 15,660), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Mitchell by Experience

In Mitchell, an entry-level optometrist earns around $67,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,240
$-14,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$104,960
$-23,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,960
$-32,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Mitchell, SD

Percentile Mitchell
10th Percentile $63,960
25th Percentile $82,000
Median (50th) $102,984
75th Percentile $129,560
90th Percentile $157,440

Optometrist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$115,543
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$113,031
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$108,007
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$105,496
Pop. 28,324

How to Become a Optometrist in Mitchell

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Mitchell and the surrounding South Dakota 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 Mitchell may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Mitchell

Browse open optometrist positions in Mitchell, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Mitchell

How much does a Optometrist make in Mitchell, SD? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Mitchell, South Dakota is $102,984 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $63,960 (10th percentile) to $157,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Mitchell? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $102,984, a optometrist in Mitchell earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Mitchell compare to the South Dakota state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Mitchell's median optometrist salary of $102,984 is 6.8% below the South Dakota state average of $110,519. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Mitchell, SD? ▼
Mitchell has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $102,984 in Mitchell has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Mitchell? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Mitchell 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.