Senior Optometrist Salary in Des Moines, WA: $215,727 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of optometrists working in Des Moines, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $215,727/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1041. Strip back Des Moines's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $200,863 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Moines, Washington, seasoned optometrists can see substantial financial rewards, with the projected median annual salary for 2026 estimated at $149,621. The potential for top-tier earners is considerable, with senior professionals reaching up to $215,727, reflecting the significant experience premium in the market. This contrasts sharply with the median, illustrating a healthy gap that rewards those who invest years into honing their skills and expertise. Achieving such high income levels typically requires a combination of advanced credentials—including completing residency training in specialized areas—and a solid reputation built through years of practice, often alongside a strategic approach to practice management and patient care.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Experienced optometrists at the top of the pay scale in Des Moines earn between $179,347 and $215,727 per year (2026 est.). This $128,946 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Des Moines median of $149,621 sits 6.41% above the US median.
Top OD Salary Comparison
| Level | Des Moines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $149,621 | $140,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,347 | $170,008 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $215,727 | $208,165 |
In Des Moines, experienced optometrists (P90) earn 44.18% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Optometrist Pay in Des Moines
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA optometrists with additional specialty certifications within the optometry field earn significantly above the $149,621 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Des Moines employers.
Specialty Focus
Optometrists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the optometry field in Des Moines command premium compensation, often reaching the $179,347–$215,727 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Des Moines metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced optometrists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured optometrists in Des Moines with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Optometrists in Washington who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Optometrist Career & Wage Growth Path in Des Moines
Clinical Optometrist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Optometrist
5-10 yearsOptometrist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDes Moines ranks #25 of 49 Washington cities for top earner optometrist salary (90th percentile: $215,727).
Top 10% optometrist compensation in Des Moines ($215,727) is 3.53% below the Washington average P90 ($223,627).
2019 BLS Actual
$201,151
2025 BLS Actual
$209,525
2026 Current Est.
$215,727
2019–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $201,151 | Actual |
| 2020 | $202,924 | Actual |
| 2021 | $199,379 | Actual |
| 2022 | $198,384 | Actual |
| 2023 | $211,515 | Actual |
| 2024 | $231,148 | Actual |
| 2025 | $209,525 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $215,727 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $222,112 | Projected |
Top-earning optometrists (90th percentile) in Des Moines saw their compensation grow 4.2% from $201,151 in 2019 to $209,525 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.96% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $222,112 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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.
Maximizing Your Optometrist Earnings in Des Moines
Increasingly, areas of specialization drive compensation for senior optometrists in Des Moines, with disciplines such as ocular disease management, pediatric optometry, and advanced contact lens fitting commanding higher pay. Different types of employers also impact compensation, as private practices and multi-location operators tend to offer more lucrative opportunities compared to retail optical chains. Those who advance into leadership roles, like becoming an associate OD or partnering in OD/MD practices, further enhance their earning potential. Advanced qualifications, such as residency programs and supplemental certifications, not only boost the marketability of experienced optometrists but also allow them to engage in broader scopes of practice that can include glaucoma management and oral medication prescriptions, further increasing their value in an evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced optometrists make in Des Moines in 2026?
What drives higher optometrist pay in Des Moines?
What certifications boost optometrist salary in Des Moines?
Can experienced optometrists make six figures in Des Moines?
How much does optometrist salary increase over time in Des Moines?
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $209,525 for optometrists in the Des Moines metro area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Moines 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