Optometrists Salary in Iowa
Optometrists in Iowa make a median of $119,990 a year, or about $57.69 an hour. The range runs from $77K at the entry level to $179K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Iowa. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $120K get you in Iowa?
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Iowa
Entry-level optometrists (10th percentile) start around $77K. Mid-career wages sit at $120K. Top earners bring in $179K or more, a $102K spread from bottom to top.
Optometrists salary by metro in Iowa
3 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $127K | +6% | 120 |
| Cedar Rapids | $122K | +2% | 40 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $119K | -1% | 40 |
Compare to other states
Track optometrists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Iowa numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do optometrists make in Iowa?
The median is $119,990 a year, that works out to about $58 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $77,000, and experienced optometrists can clear $178,520. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $120K enough to live in Iowa?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,196/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,064/month, which eats 14.8% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a optometrists salary go in Iowa?
Iowa has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median optometrists salary is worth about $135,033 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do optometrists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.