St. Cloud vs Woodbury: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between St. Cloud, MN and Woodbury, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Cloud, MN | Woodbury, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,866 | $140,326▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.32 | $67.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,458▲ | $81,389 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,111▲ | $111,473 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,067▲ | $168,268 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $239,063▲ | $203,666 |
| Total Employed | 30▲ | 18 |
Verdict
St. Cloud and Woodbury are closely matched on overall optometrist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between St. Cloud and Woodbury is $4,460 (3.28%). Woodbury's median is -0.20% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Cloud spans $138,605,Woodbury spans $122,277. St. Cloud 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, St. Cloud ($155,042 effective) pays 8.83% more than Woodbury ($142,463 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($239,063)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,042)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Woodbury if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,326/year)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in St. Cloud grew 5.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -1.0% growth in Woodbury over the same period.
St. Cloud, MN
$125,070 (2021) → $131,960 (2025)
Woodbury, MN
$137,720 (2024) → $136,292 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Cloud, MN
Woodbury, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: St. Cloud or Woodbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Cloud and Woodbury?
Should I relocate from St. Cloud to Woodbury as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in St. Cloud vs Woodbury?
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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