Optometrist Salary in Waterloo, IA: $123,713 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Waterloo, IA earns a median $123,713/year (≈ $59.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Waterloo's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $136,851 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average optometrist salary in Waterloo, IA, is projected to be $123,713, reflecting the impact of local market dynamics on compensation structures. Salary figures for optometrists range widely, spanning from $71,753 at the 10th percentile to $182,265 at the 90th percentile, which suggests that income can vary significantly based on factors such as practice ownership and type of employment. Practices in Waterloo often include private ownership, associate roles, and positions in retail optical chains. These structural choices serve as crucial determinants for earning potential, impacting not only the salary but also the financial rewards tied to ownership equity and the types of services provided. The local job market shows a steady demand for optometrists, with nine professionals currently employed in the area, suggesting room for growth amid changing treatment paradigms.
About the Waterloo Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,753 | $34.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,713 | $47.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $123,713 | $59.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,593 | $71.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $182,265 | $87.63 |
Median Salary Position
12.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waterloo
In Waterloo, IA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $110,512 (2026 est.). At $123,713, the local median is 12.02% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waterloo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waterloo Optometrist Pay Compares
Waterloo median: $123,713/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waterloo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $127,146 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -12.02% less |
Optometrists in Waterloo, IA earn a median of $123,713 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.02% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.70% below the Iowa state average of $127,146.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waterloo has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waterloo, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $123,713 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $136,851 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$101,398
2025 BLS Actual
$120,156
2026 Current Est.
$123,713
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Waterloo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,398 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,862 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,361 | Actual |
| 2022 | $130,930 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,012 | Actual |
| 2024 | $112,617 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,156 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,713 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,375 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waterloo metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $101,398 (2019) to $120,156 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,375 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,977 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterloo 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $71,753 – $99,713 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,713 – $123,713 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $123,713 – $149,593 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,593 – $182,265 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Waterloo
Optometrists in Waterloo face a cost of living index of 90.4, which indicates a below-average expense level compared to national standards. This affordability can enhance take-home purchasing power despite the local median salary being approximately 12.02% lower than the national average. Among the various employers in the region, compensation is likely to be highest at private practices that have adopted the OD/MD model or those with a focus on specialty services such as ocular disease management. Retail optical chains such as LensCrafters and Pearle Vision may provide stable employment but typically offer lower salaries compared to independent practices. As practitioners contemplate their career paths, understanding trends such as the prevalence of private equity acquiring practices can guide decisions regarding potential salary growth. To maximize earning potential, optometrists should consider residency training opportunities available, which can enhance skills in areas like glaucoma management, thus positioning themselves favorably in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Waterloo, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $120,156 for optometristsin the Waterloo metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waterloo is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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