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Optometrist Salary in Waukee, IA

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

Median Salary
$103,407
per year in Waukee
Entry Level
$62,545
Starting salary
Senior Level
$141,768
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
98
2% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$62,545$103,407$141,768
Monthly$5,212$8,617$11,814
Biweekly$2,406$3,977$5,453
Weekly$1,203$1,989$2,726
Hourly$30$50$68

Waukee vs National Average

How Waukee's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.

Waukee Salary
$103,407
COL Index: 98
National Average
$128,680
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$25,273
Lower in Waukee

Cost of Living in Waukee

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,050
per month
Median Income
$92,234
per year
Population
24,810
residents
Rent % of Income
13.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 98 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Waukee 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
+55%
Los Angeles, CA
$137,070
+33%
Chicago, IL
$138,510
+34%
Houston, TX
$124,780
+21%
Phoenix, AZ
$134,430
+30%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Optometrist Salary in Waukee, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a optometrist in Waukee, IA is $103,407 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 98. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Waukee's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level optometrist professionals in Waukee can expect to earn around $62,545 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $141,768 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Waukee's cost of living index of 98 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Waukee 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 Waukee typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,050 per month, housing represents about 12.2% 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 Waukee, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. 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.