Entry-Level Optometrist Salary in Des Moines, IA: $69,941 (2026)
Quick Answer:New optometrists entering the Des Moines, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,941 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1041, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 91.7 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,271 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($133,621) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Securing a position as a new grad in optometry can be promising in Des Moines, Iowa, where the starting salary for entry-level optometrists is projected at $69,941 in 2026. This figure, while significantly lower than the city median of $133,621, provides a pathway to growth over the first few years in the field. New professionals can expect to see their earnings increase as they gain experience, with many moving up to the P25 level of $103,897 within a few years. The job market for fresh graduates appears to be favorable, given the projected growth rate for the profession at 2.96% annually, hinting at a steady demand for optometrists in the area. For those looking to begin their careers in optometry, understanding the local market dynamics in Des Moines is essential, as it informs both salary expectations and opportunities for advancement.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Moines
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Entry-level optometrists in Des Moines, IA typically start between $69,941 and $103,897 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $113,657 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $133,621 — 4.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average optometry program cost in Iowa of $140,000 represents just 200.17% of the starting optometrist pay ($69,941/year) in Des Moines. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOE-accredited Doctor of Optometry programs. Public school OD programs offer lower in-state tuition, while private institutions carry higher out-of-pocket costs. Totals reflect tuition and fees for the 4-year professional program; clinical rotation travel and living costs add to the total cost of attendance.
OD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level optometrist pay ranges from $69,941 to $103,897, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the optometry field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Des Moines, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Optometrist Compensation Range
The optometrist wage spread in Des Moines is $113,657 ( 162.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,941, experienced hygienists can earn up to $183,598.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,950
2025 BLS Actual
$67,930
2026 Current Est.
$69,941
2019–2027 Growth
+9.2%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,320 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,300 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,280 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,690 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,941 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,011 | Projected |
Entry-level optometrist compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, IA grew 3.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,950 in 2019 to $67,930 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,011. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your optometry Career in Des Moines
Employers in Des Moines tend to favor certain hiring practices when it comes to entry-level optometrists. Retail chains such as LensCrafters and Visionworks frequently employ new grads due to their structured training programs, which can help transition them smoothly into the workforce. In contrast, opportunities in private practice often favor residency-trained ODs, with some requiring a buy-in commitment that may be a challenge for recent graduates. For those keen on increasing their starting pay in Iowa, it’s critical to hold an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited institution and obtain all necessary certifications, including passing the NBEO Parts I-III and securing a state license. Staying ahead means considering additional training in fields like glaucoma management and oral pharmaceutical agents, which can diversify one's skill set and enhance salary potential. Given the evolving scope of practice, new optometrists can realistically expect to see their salaries improve significantly within the first few years, particularly those who actively pursue additional credentials and leverage the changing landscape of employment in the field.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new optometry graduates. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov