Optometrist Salary in Rochester, MN: $139,423 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Rochester, MN earns a median $139,423/year (≈ $67.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Rochester's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $141,546 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Rochester, Minnesota, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $139,423, slightly below the national median of $140,612. This figure reflects a competitive salary range, with entry-level positions starting around $80,866 and experienced professionals earning as much as $213,388. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic conditions, demonstrate the robust earning potential that comes with the expanding scope of optometry practice in Minnesota, including glaucoma management and the use of oral medications and laser treatments. The job market for optometrists in Rochester is influenced significantly by these elements, contributing to a compelling career landscape.
About the Rochester Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,866 | $38.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,521 | $54.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $139,423 | $67.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,565 | $82.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $213,388 | $102.59 |
Median Salary Position
0.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester
In Rochester, MN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $132,522 (2026 est.). At $139,423, the local median is 0.85% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rochester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rochester Optometrist Pay Compares
Rochester median: $139,423/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rochester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $138,454 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | -0.85% less |
Optometrists in Rochester, MN earn a median of $139,423 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.85% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 0.70% above the Minnesota state average of $138,454.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rochester 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.
Rochester, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $139,423 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $141,546 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,275
2025 BLS Actual
$135,415
2026 Current Est.
$139,423
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,275 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,052 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,770 | Actual |
| 2022 | $157,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $159,130 | Actual |
| 2024 | $151,470 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,415 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,423 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,550 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rochester metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $114,275 (2019) to $135,415 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,550 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,275 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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) | $80,866 – $113,521 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,521 – $139,423 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $139,423 – $172,565 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,565 – $213,388 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Rochester
Rochester has a total of 29 optometrists actively employed in the area, revealing a localized, yet specialized job market. The cost-of-living index in Rochester stands at 98.5, indicating that living expenses are slightly below the national average, which enhances the purchasing power of local optometrists. Among various employers, private optometry practices and ophthalmology clinics generally offer the highest pay, particularly those that leverage the OD/MD model or have established lucrative referral arrangements. Factors such as practice ownership, residency training in ocular disease, and employment terms post-acquisition by private equity firms also significantly influence salary variations. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Rochester, pursuing advanced training and engaging in practice ownership can provide substantial financial rewards in this evolving field.
More salary data for Rochester, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $135,415 for optometristsin the Rochester 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 Rochester 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