Optometrist Salary in Iowa
Based on 450+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$125,380
$60.28/hr
vs National Average
$136,108
-7.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$74K – $175K
450 employed in Iowa
Optometrist salary in Iowa averages $125,380 annually, with approximately 450 optometrists currently employed throughout the state. This median salary sits about 8% below the national average, though compensation varies significantly across the profession. Individual earnings typically range from $73,660 to $175,460 per year depending on experience and circumstances.
Several factors influence optometrist salary in Iowa, including years of experience, practice setting, and patient base size. Those working in independent practices often earn differently than employees at larger optical chains or healthcare facilities. Geographic location within Iowa, specialty services offered, and professional certifications can also meaningfully impact earning potential in this field.
Salary Distribution — Optometrist in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $73,660 |
| 25th percentile | $90,330 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $125,380 |
| 75th percentile | $140,630 |
| 90th percentile | $175,460 |
Top-Paying Industries for Optometrist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Optometrists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Optometrists in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $166,410 | 60 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $160,100 | — |
| Retail Trade | $159,250 | 6K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $134,370 | 36K |
| Educational Services | $124,280 | 110 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Optometrist in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $126,650 |
| 2023 | $122,320 |
| 2024 | $119,990 |
| 2025 | $125,380 |
| 2026 (projected) | $131,012 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $126,650 | $121,162 |
| 2023 | $122,320 | $129,589 |
| 2024 | $119,990 | $131,624 |
| 2025 | $125,380 | $136,108 |
| 2026 (projected) | $131,012 | $142,222 |
Optometrist Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $90,330 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $125,380 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $140,630 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $175,460 |
Optometrist Salary in Other States
Related Optometrist Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Optometrist ($125,380 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Optometrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in IA | $429,050 | +242.2% | $206.27/hr |
| Radiologist in IA | $405,220 | +223.2% | $194.82/hr |
| Surgeon in IA | $370,390 | +195.4% | $178.07/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IA | $356,020 | +184.0% | $171.16/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IA | $295,270 | +135.5% | $141.96/hr |
| Cardiologist in IA | $283,070 | +125.8% | $136.09/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IA | $273,070 | +117.8% | $131.28/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IA | $265,200 | +111.5% | $127.50/hr |
| Pediatrician in IA | $262,440 | +109.3% | $126.17/hr |
| Dentist in IA | $181,520 | +44.8% | $87.27/hr |
| Pharmacist in IA | $138,860 | +10.8% | $66.76/hr |
| Podiatrist in IA | $134,830 | +7.5% | $64.82/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Iowa?
- Optometrists in Iowa earn a median salary of $125,380 per year, or $60 per hour. This is about 7.9% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for optometrists in Iowa?
- Optometrist salaries in Iowa range from a low of $73,660 to a high of $175,460 per year, depending on experience, location, and practice setting.
How many optometrists work in Iowa?
- There are approximately 450 optometrists currently employed in Iowa, making it a relatively small but established market for the profession.
Is the Iowa optometrist salary competitive compared to the national average?
- Iowa's median optometrist salary of $125,380 is slightly lower than the national average, falling about 7.9% below what optometrists earn nationally on average.