Optometrist Salary in Hastings, MN: $131,958 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Hastings, MN earns a median $131,958/year (≈ $63.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Hastings's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $133,968 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupying a vital role in eye care and supported by an expanded scope that includes glaucoma management and oral medications, optometrists in Hastings, Minnesota, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $131,958 in 2026. This amount marks a 6.15% lower figure compared to the national median of $140,612, but local estimates indicate a salary range of $76,535 (P10) to $182,430 (P90), reflecting significant variability in earnings. The data, derived from 2025 BLS statistics and adjusted for regional cost of living differences, paints a picture of a market where not only expertise but also practice settings can greatly influence how much optometrists make in Hastings. As the demand for optometry services continues to grow, particularly with the scope of practice expanding, there is a promising outlook for employment in this field.
About the Hastings Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,535 | $36.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,511 | $51.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $131,958 | $63.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,505 | $74.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $182,430 | $87.71 |
Median Salary Position
6.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hastings
In Hastings, MN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $105,895 (2026 est.). At $131,958, the local median is 6.15% below the national median of $140,612.
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At 40 hours/week in Hastings: You'd be above the median
How Hastings Optometrist Pay Compares
Hastings median: $131,958/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hastings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $138,466 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -6.15% less |
Optometrists in Hastings, MN earn a median of $131,958 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.15% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.70% below the Minnesota state average of $138,466.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hastings 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.
Hastings, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $131,958 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $133,968 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,156
2025 BLS Actual
$128,164
2026 Current Est.
$131,958
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hastings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,156 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,784 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,649 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,860 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,744 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,507 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,164 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,958 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,864 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hastings metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $108,156 (2019) to $128,164 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,864 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,708 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hastings 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) | $76,535 – $106,511 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,511 – $131,958 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $131,958 – $154,505 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,505 – $182,430 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Hastings
In Hastings, the job market currently employs only five optometrists, emphasizing a tight-knit community where every practitioner plays an essential role. Given the cost of living index of 98.5, local optometrists may enjoy a favorable purchasing power, although they face unique financial circumstances compared to peers in higher-cost regions. Major employers in Hastings range from private optometry practices to retail chains like LensCrafters and Pearl Vision, balancing varying pay scales based on ownership structure and business models. The disparity in salaries often hinges on factors such as practice ownership equity, collaboration with ophthalmologists, and specialized residency training, especially in ocular disease. Those looking to maximize compensation should consider private practice routes, enhance their qualifications with specialized training, and stay attuned to regional employment trends, as these strategies can significantly impact optometrist pay in Hastings, MN.
More salary data for Hastings, MN:
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 $128,164 for optometristsin the Hastings 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 Hastings 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