Optometrist Salary in St. Paul, MN: $162,868 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in St. Paul, MN earns a median $162,868/year (≈ $78.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in St. Paul's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $165,348 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.6% above the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual compensation for optometrists in St. Paul, Minnesota, is projected to reach $162,868, which reflects a notable increase compared to the national median of $140,612. This competitive salary aligns with Minnesota's expanded scope of practice for optometrists, which includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and limited laser procedures. The salary range for the profession in the area spans from $94,464 at the 10th percentile to as high as $252,446 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional economic factors, highlighting a robust job market catering to both established practitioners and new graduates in St. Paul.
About the St. Paul Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,464 | $45.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $129,420 | $62.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $162,868 | $78.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $196,820 | $94.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $252,446 | $121.37 |
Median Salary Position
15.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in St. Paul
In St. Paul, MN, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $157,982 (2026 est.). At $162,868, the local median is 15.83% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in St. Paul: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How St. Paul Optometrist Pay Compares
St. Paul median: $162,868/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | St. Paul Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $138,493 | +17.60% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +15.83% more |
Optometrists in St. Paul, MN earn a median of $162,868 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.83% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 17.60% above the Minnesota state average of $138,493.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
St. Paul 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.
St. Paul, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $162,868 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $165,348 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$133,492
2025 BLS Actual
$158,186
2026 Current Est.
$162,868
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in St. Paul (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,492 | Actual |
| 2020 | $136,735 | Actual |
| 2021 | $143,974 | Actual |
| 2022 | $145,468 | Actual |
| 2023 | $152,731 | Actual |
| 2024 | $141,294 | Actual |
| 2025 | $158,186 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $162,868 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $167,689 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the St. Paul metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $133,492 (2019) to $158,186 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $167,689 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,197 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Paul 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) | $94,464 – $129,420 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $129,420 – $162,868 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $162,868 – $196,820 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $196,820 – $252,446 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in St. Paul
St. Paul's job market presents a steady demand for optometrists, with approximately 80 professionals employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 98.5, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power remains slightly below the national average. Among local employers, private optometry practices and VA medical centers tend to offer some of the highest compensation packages. Factors influencing the wide salary range include potential practice ownership, which can provide additional equity, and the varying revenue models found in retail optical chains versus private practices. Additionally, those with residency training often command higher pay, particularly in ocular disease and VA pathways. For optometrists looking to enhance their earnings, establishing a strong professional network and considering opportunities in affluent neighborhoods or specialty practices can be effective strategies tailored to the St. Paul market.
More salary data for St. Paul, 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 $158,186 for optometristsin the St. Paul 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 St. Paul 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