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Optometrist Salary in Waukesha, WI

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

Median Salary
$118,128
per year in Waukesha
Entry Level
$71,449
Starting salary
Senior Level
$161,950
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$71,449$118,128$161,950
Monthly$5,954$9,844$13,496
Biweekly$2,748$4,543$6,229
Weekly$1,374$2,272$3,114
Hourly$34$57$78

Waukesha vs National Average

How Waukesha's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.

Waukesha Salary
$118,128
COL Index: 102
National Average
$128,680
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$10,552
Lower in Waukesha

Cost of Living in Waukesha

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,200
per month
Median Income
$68,420
per year
Population
72,489
residents
Rent % of Income
21.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Waukesha 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
+36%
Los Angeles, CA
$137,070
+16%
Chicago, IL
$138,510
+17%
Houston, TX
$124,780
+6%
Phoenix, AZ
$134,430
+14%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Optometrist Salary in Waukesha, WI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a optometrist in Waukesha, WI is $118,128 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Waukesha's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level optometrist professionals in Waukesha can expect to earn around $71,449 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $161,950 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Waukesha's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Waukesha 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 Waukesha typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,200 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 Waukesha, 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.