Optometrist Salary in Watertown, SD: $125,470 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Watertown, SD earns a median $125,470/year (≈ $60.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Watertown's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $135,205 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the optometrist salary in Watertown, SD, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $125,470, reflecting a notable difference from the national median of $140,612. The salary range for optometrists varies significantly, with the lower 10th percentile earning approximately $73,218 compared to the upper 90th percentile, which can go as high as $175,669. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for regional cost variations. In a local market influenced by the choice between owning a practice, being an employed associate, or working for retail chains, these salary figures highlight the economic climate for optometrists in Watertown. As the profession adapts to an ever-changing landscape, the distribution of salaries will be pivotal for those seeking to establish their careers here.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,218 | $35.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,728 | $49.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,470 | $60.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $148,276 | $71.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $175,669 | $84.46 |
Median Salary Position
10.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Watertown
In Watertown, SD, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,451 (2026 est.). At $125,470, the local median is 10.77% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Watertown: You'd be above the median
How Watertown Optometrist Pay Compares
Watertown median: $125,470/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Watertown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $130,426 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -10.77% less |
Optometrists in Watertown, SD earn a median of $125,470 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $130,426.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Watertown has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Watertown, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $125,470 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,205 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,839
2025 BLS Actual
$121,863
2026 Current Est.
$125,470
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,839 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,337 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,914 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,065 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,539 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,863 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,470 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,184 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Watertown metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $102,839 (2019) to $121,863 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $129,184 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,345 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Watertown 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) | $73,218 – $102,728 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,728 – $125,470 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,470 – $148,276 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $148,276 – $175,669 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Watertown
Looking at the local job market, there are currently six optometrists employed in Watertown, which indicates a small and potentially competitive field. With a cost-of-living index sitting at 92.8, residents may find that their take-home pay affords them more purchasing power compared to many areas with higher living costs. Among the various employment options, private optometry practices typically offer higher pay than retail optical chains like LensCrafters or Walmart Vision, but the potential for income can vary greatly based on factors like practice ownership equity and post-acquisition terms from private-equity owned practices. Furthermore, those with advanced residencies in ocular disease or who gain experience alongside ophthalmologists in OD/MD models might command better compensation. To maximize their earnings, optometrists in Watertown should consider pursuing practice ownership or ensuring that their clinical experience aligns with the evolving demands of the profession.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
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 $121,863 for optometristsin the Watertown 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 Watertown 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