Optometrist Salary in Eagan, MN: $135,752 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Eagan, MN earns a median $135,752/year (≈ $65.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Eagan's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $137,819 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Eagan, Minnesota, the projected median optometrist salary in 2026 is set at $135,752, offering a competitive compensation package relative to the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists here varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $78,736 and advanced roles reaching up to $201,892. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price parities. Eagan’s job market for optometrists reflects the evolving landscape of the profession, particularly considering the potential for additional revenue through OD/MD model surgical co-management, thereby enhancing earning prospects in this growing market.
About the Eagan Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,736 | $37.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,549 | $53.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,752 | $65.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $165,284 | $79.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $201,892 | $97.06 |
Median Salary Position
3.46% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Eagan
In Eagan, MN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,156 (2026 est.). At $135,752, the local median is 3.46% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Eagan: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Eagan Optometrist Pay Compares
Eagan median: $135,752/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Eagan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $138,522 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -3.46% less |
Optometrists in Eagan, MN earn a median of $135,752 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.46% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $138,522.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Eagan has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Eagan, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $135,752 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $137,819 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$111,266
2025 BLS Actual
$131,849
2026 Current Est.
$135,752
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Eagan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,266 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,969 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,003 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,249 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,302 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,849 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,752 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,770 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Eagan metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $111,266 (2019) to $131,849 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,770 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,504 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Eagan 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) | $78,736 – $110,549 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,549 – $135,752 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,752 – $165,284 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $165,284 – $201,892 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Eagan
The local optometrist job market stands reasonably strong with 13 optometrists currently employed in Eagan, MN. Given the cost of living index of 98.5, those looking to maximize their take-home pay should understand how local market trends influence optometrist pay in Eagan. Notably, private optometry practices and OD/MD partnerships tend to offer higher compensation packages compared to retail optical chains such as LensCrafters or Walmart Vision. Factors influencing pay disparities include ownership opportunities, the potential for surgical referral revenue with ophthalmology collaboration, and residency training specialization. Optometrists can increase their earnings in Eagan by considering roles in private practices and pursuing additional training in areas like ocular disease, which can open doors to higher-paying positions.
More salary data for Eagan, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can optometrists make $100K in Eagan?
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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 $131,849 for optometristsin the Eagan 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 Eagan 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