Optometrist Salary in Northfield, MN: $132,240 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Northfield, MN earns a median $132,240/year (≈ $63.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Northfield's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $134,254 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Optometrists in Northfield, Minnesota, can expect an annual salary around $132,240 in 2026, reflecting the state's comprehensive scope of practice that allows them to manage conditions such as glaucoma, prescribe oral medications, and perform select laser procedures. This salary translates to a broad range, where entry-level positions may start near $76,699, while experienced optometrists at the higher end of the scale can earn up to $183,357. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026 and adjusted for regional cost differences, indicate a competitive environment despite a slight decline compared to the national median of $140,612. The optometrist job market in Northfield is unique, characterized by a small workforce of just six professionals, which presents both challenges and opportunities for those entering the field.
About the Northfield Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,699 | $36.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,093 | $51.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,240 | $63.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $155,168 | $74.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $183,357 | $88.15 |
Median Salary Position
5.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Northfield
In Northfield, MN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $106,658 (2026 est.). At $132,240, the local median is 5.95% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Northfield: You'd be above the median
How Northfield Optometrist Pay Compares
Northfield median: $132,240/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Northfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $138,471 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -5.95% less |
Optometrists in Northfield, MN earn a median of $132,240 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.95% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 4.50% below the Minnesota state average of $138,471.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Northfield 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.
Northfield, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $132,240 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $134,254 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,387
2025 BLS Actual
$128,438
2026 Current Est.
$132,240
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Northfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,387 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,021 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,899 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,112 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,008 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,783 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,438 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,240 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,154 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Northfield metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $108,387 (2019) to $128,438 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,154 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,767 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northfield 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) | $76,699 – $107,093 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,093 – $132,240 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,240 – $155,168 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $155,168 – $183,357 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Northfield
With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, Northfield offers a practical reality for optometrists concerning take-home pay, suggesting that while salaries may be slightly lower than national averages, the overall affordability of the area may balance this out. Among local employers, private optometry practices often provide the most competitive salaries, especially those operating under the OD/MD model, allowing higher revenues through surgical referral arrangements. Variations in pay largely stem from factors such as ownership equity in practices, type of employment setting, and additional training or residency in ocular disease, which can significantly boost potential earnings. For those looking to maximize optometrist pay in Northfield, networking within the community and considering positions that blend optometry with surgical support could prove beneficial in enhancing overall compensation.
More salary data for Northfield, 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 $128,438 for optometristsin the Northfield 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 Northfield 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