Healthcare Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Optometrist Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median optometrist salary in Milwaukee, WI is $118,055 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$118,055
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-7,535
Cost of Living
92%

Optometrist Pay in Milwaukee: What to Expect (2026)

Milwaukee offers a median optometrist salary of $118,055, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $118,055. Compared to the national median of $125,590, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee'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 Milwaukee spans from $73,320 at the 10th percentile to $180,480 at the 90th percentile — a $107,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $77,080, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $167,320. As a major metro area with a population of 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Optometrist Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, an entry-level optometrist earns around $77,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$77,080
$-4,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$120,320
$-7,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$167,320
$-10,680 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Milwaukee, WI

Percentile Milwaukee
10th Percentile $73,320
25th Percentile $94,000
Median (50th) $118,055
75th Percentile $148,520
90th Percentile $180,480

Optometrist Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$128,102
Pop. 269,840
Kenosha, WI
$115,543
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$113,031
Pop. 107,395
Racine, WI
$110,519
Pop. 77,816

How to Become a Optometrist in Milwaukee

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Milwaukee and the surrounding Wisconsin 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 Milwaukee may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open optometrist positions in Milwaukee, WI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Optometrist make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is $118,055 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $73,320 (10th percentile) to $180,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $118,055, a optometrist in Milwaukee earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median optometrist salary of $118,055 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $118,055. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a optometrist salary of $118,055 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Milwaukee? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Milwaukee 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.