Home / City Job Salaries / Optometrist in Grand Rapids

Optometrist Salary in Grand Rapids, MI

How much does a optometrist make in Grand Rapids? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Grand Rapids's cost of living.

Median Salary
$129,740
per year in Grand Rapids
Entry Level
$78,472
Starting salary
Senior Level
$177,869
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
93
7% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how optometrist salaries break down across different pay periods in Grand Rapids.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$78,472$129,740$177,869
Monthly$6,539$10,812$14,822
Biweekly$3,018$4,990$6,841
Weekly$1,509$2,495$3,421
Hourly$38$62$86

Grand Rapids vs National Average

How Grand Rapids's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.

Grand Rapids Salary
$129,740
COL Index: 93
National Average
$128,680
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$1,060
Higher in Grand Rapids

Cost of Living in Grand Rapids

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,100
per month
Median Income
$48,410
per year
Population
198,917
residents
Rent % of Income
27.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 93 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Grand Rapids have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Optometrist

Overview

Perform eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses and treatments.

Education

Doctor of Optometry (OD); licensure required

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationLens PrescriptionPatient CareDiagnostic Skills

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Optometrist Salary

See Optometrist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$160,520
+24%
Los Angeles, CA
$137,070
+6%
Chicago, IL
$138,510
+7%
Houston, TX
$124,780
-4%
Phoenix, AZ
$134,430
+4%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a optometrist salary in Grand Rapids.

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 Grand Rapids.

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 Grand Rapids.

Optometrist Salary in Grand Rapids, MI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a optometrist in Grand Rapids, MI is $129,740 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 93. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Grand Rapids's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level optometrist professionals in Grand Rapids can expect to earn around $78,472 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $177,869 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Grand Rapids's cost of living index of 93 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 10.2% 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 Grand Rapids, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.