Optometrist Salary in Brookings, SD
How much does a optometrist make in Brookings? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Brookings's cost of living.
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
See how optometrist salaries break down across different pay periods in Brookings.
| Period | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $56,163 | $92,855 | $127,302 |
| Monthly | $4,680 | $7,738 | $10,609 |
| Biweekly | $2,160 | $3,571 | $4,896 |
| Weekly | $1,080 | $1,786 | $2,448 |
| Hourly | $27 | $45 | $61 |
Brookings vs National Average
How Brookings's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.
Cost of Living in Brookings
About Optometrist
Overview
Perform eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses and treatments.
Education
Doctor of Optometry (OD); licensure required
Key Skills
Growth Rate
Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade
Compare Cities: Optometrist Salary
See Optometrist salaries in other top cities.
Financial Tools to Explore
Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a optometrist salary in Brookings.
Salary Breakdown Calculator
See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.
Cost of Living Calculator
Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Brookings.
Budget Calculator
Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Brookings.
Optometrist Salary in Brookings, SD — Complete Guide
Median Salary Overview
The median salary for a optometrist in Brookings, SD is $92,855 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Brookings's unique economic conditions.
Salary Range and Experience Levels
Entry-level optometrist professionals in Brookings can expect to earn around $56,163 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $127,302 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.
Cost of Living Adjustment
Brookings's cost of living index of 88 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Brookings are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $128,680, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.
Housing and Affordability
A significant portion of a optometrist's salary in Brookings typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $780 per month, housing represents about 10.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.
Career Growth and Opportunities
Optometrists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Brookings, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.