Optometrist Salary in Marquette, MI: $132,651 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Marquette, MI earns a median $132,651/year (≈ $63.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Marquette's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $142,329 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Marquette, Michigan, optometrists can expect to see a median annual salary of $132,651 in 2026, which slightly lags behind the national median of $140,612. Salary ranges for this profession vary significantly, with entry-level earnings starting at $77,210 and experienced optometrists reaching up to $181,593. These figures are reflective of local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences. The integration of the OD/MD model in surgical co-management could contribute to enhanced earnings potential, creating an avenue for higher compensation while fostering collaborative care in the community. Given the unique dynamics in Marquette's job market, optometrists can find promising opportunities despite the current competitive landscape.
About the Marquette Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,210 | $37.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,883 | $52.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,651 | $63.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,205 | $74.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $181,593 | $87.30 |
Median Salary Position
5.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marquette
In Marquette, MI, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $104,383 (2026 est.). At $132,651, the local median is 5.66% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Marquette: You'd be above the median
How Marquette Optometrist Pay Compares
Marquette median: $132,651/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Marquette Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $137,747 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -5.66% less |
Optometrists in Marquette, MI earn a median of $132,651 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.66% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.70% below the Michigan state average of $137,747.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Marquette has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Marquette, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $132,651 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $142,329 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,724
2025 BLS Actual
$128,837
2026 Current Est.
$132,651
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Marquette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,724 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,366 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,262 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,479 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,394 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,692 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,837 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,651 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,577 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Marquette metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $108,724 (2019) to $128,837 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,577 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,853 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marquette 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) | $77,210 – $108,883 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,883 – $132,651 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,651 – $154,205 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,205 – $181,593 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Marquette
Currently, there are only four optometrists employed in Marquette, pointing to a niche market for eye care services. The cost-of-living index in Marquette stands at 93.2, indicating that living expenses are below the national average, which can positively impact take-home pay. Among local employers, private optometry practices that engage in the OD/MD referral model often offer the best compensation. Factors that dictate variations in pay include practice ownership, residency training in ocular disease, and competitive negotiations post-acquisition by private equity firms. Optometrists aiming to maximize their earnings should consider pursuing additional credentials, such as those relevant to newer treatments or scope expansions, while also exploring ownership opportunities or collaborating with ophthalmology practices to enhance revenue potential in this area.
More salary data for Marquette, MI:
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 $128,837 for optometristsin the Marquette 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 Marquette 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