Optometrist Salary in Whitewater, WI: $140,447 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Whitewater, WI earns a median $140,447/year (≈ $67.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Whitewater's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $150,372 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the city of Whitewater, Wisconsin, optometrists can anticipate a median annual salary of $140,447 in 2026. This figure positions local professionals just below the national median of $140,612, revealing a slight difference in compensation tailored to the area's economic dynamics. Salaries for optometrists in Whitewater span from $81,459 at the 10th percentile to $201,116 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a broad range reflecting varying levels of experience, practice settings, and revenue from surgical co-management in an OD/MD model. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, paint a promising picture of the optometry job market in Whitewater, especially with the projected growth rate of 2.96% annually over the next five years.
About the Whitewater Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,459 | $39.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,640 | $54.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,447 | $67.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,993 | $77.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $201,116 | $96.69 |
Median Salary Position
0.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Whitewater
In Whitewater, WI, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $119,657 (2026 est.). At $140,447, the local median is 0.12% below the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Whitewater: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Whitewater Optometrist Pay Compares
Whitewater median: $140,447/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Whitewater Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $147,994 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | -0.12% less |
Optometrists in Whitewater, WI earn a median of $140,447 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.12% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 5.10% below the Wisconsin state average of $147,994.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Whitewater has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Whitewater, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A optometrist earning $140,447 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,372 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,114
2025 BLS Actual
$136,409
2026 Current Est.
$140,447
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Whitewater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,114 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,911 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,153 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,442 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,705 | Actual |
| 2024 | $115,208 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,409 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,447 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,604 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Whitewater metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $115,114 (2019) to $136,409 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,604 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,490 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Whitewater 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) | $81,459 – $112,640 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,640 – $140,447 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,447 – $160,993 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,993 – $201,116 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Whitewater
The local job market for optometry in Whitewater, where only four optometrists are currently employed, reflects the demand for quality eye care. With a cost-of-living index of 93.4, practitioners enjoy a relatively affordable lifestyle, which enhances their take-home pay compared to many other regions. Among local employers, private optometry practices, particularly those adopting the OD/MD model, may offer the highest salaries due to the potential for revenue sharing from surgical referrals, unlike retail optical chains. The substantial salary spread can also arise from factors like practice ownership equity and the effects of private equity acquisitions on compensation structures. For those seeking to maximize pay in this specific market, pursuing residency training in ocular disease and considering opportunities in collaborative models with ophthalmologists could yield better financial outcomes. Emphasizing advanced skills and developing a professional network within the community is also essential for capitalizing on the available opportunities in Whitewater.
More salary data for Whitewater, WI:
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 $136,409 for optometristsin the Whitewater 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 Whitewater 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