Optometrist Salary in Richfield, MN: $133,407 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Richfield, MN earns a median $133,407/year (≈ $64.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Richfield's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $135,439 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected compensation for optometrists in Richfield, Minnesota, stands at a median annual salary of $133,407. This figure reflects the elevated scope of practice in Minnesota that allows optometrists to manage glaucoma, prescribe oral medications, and perform select laser procedures, contributing to competitive salary levels. The salary range extends from $79,298 at the 10th percentile to $193,219 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the diversity of earning potential based on experience, setting, and specialization. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional pricing. With the growing demand for optometric services and expanded practice capabilities, Richfield's job market appears promising for both current practitioners and those entering the field.
About the Richfield Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,298 | $38.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,789 | $53.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,407 | $64.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $155,434 | $74.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,219 | $92.89 |
Median Salary Position
5.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richfield
In Richfield, MN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $113,921 (2026 est.). At $133,407, the local median is 5.12% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Richfield Optometrist Pay Compares
Richfield median: $133,407/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $138,533 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -5.12% less |
Optometrists in Richfield, MN earn a median of $133,407 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.12% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.70% below the Minnesota state average of $138,533.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richfield 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.
Richfield, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $133,407 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,439 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,344
2025 BLS Actual
$129,572
2026 Current Est.
$133,407
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Richfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,344 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,001 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,931 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,155 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,103 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,929 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,572 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,407 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,356 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richfield metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $109,344 (2019) to $129,572 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,356 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,012 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richfield 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) | $79,298 – $110,789 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,789 – $133,407 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,407 – $155,434 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $155,434 – $193,219 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Richfield
The local employment landscape includes just nine optometrists in Richfield, impacting the market dynamics and potential for salary growth. With a cost-of-living index at 98.5, professionals in this region enjoy a favorable purchasing power relative to many urban centers, but it can also temper salary expectations. Retail chains like LensCrafters and Pearle Vision typically offer competitive pay, while private practices may present opportunities for higher earnings through equity interests or specialized services, such as collaborations with ophthalmologists. Variations in earnings also stem from practice ownership, residency training, and the evolving nature of practice models influenced by private equity acquisitions in the sector. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Richfield, exploring residency training pathways, considering ownership or partnership opportunities, and seeking high-revenue practice environments can be effective strategies in this evolving market.
More salary data for Richfield, 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 $129,572 for optometristsin the Richfield 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 Richfield 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