Des Moines vs Waterloo: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Des Moines, IA and Waterloo, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,621▲ | $123,713 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.25▲ | $59.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,941 | $71,753▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $103,897▲ | $99,713 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,893▲ | $149,593 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,598▲ | $182,265 |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterloo.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Waterloo is $9,908 (8.01%). Des Moines's median is -4.97% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $113,657,Waterloo spans $110,512. Des Moines has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($145,714 effective) pays 6.48% more than Waterloo ($136,851 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,621/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($183,598)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,714)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Des Moines grew 71.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.2% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$75,740 (2019) → $129,780 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$130,930 (2022) → $120,156 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Des Moines or Waterloo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Waterloo?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Waterloo as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Des Moines vs Waterloo?
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov