Optometrist salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Optometrists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $129,780 a year ($62.40 an hour), based on BLS data for 110 workers.
Pay ranges from $67,930 for the lowest-paid 10% to $178,320 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $136,570. Pay here is 4% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $125,380. There are 0.28 optometrists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $131,630, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for optometrists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $67,930 | $32.66 |
| 25th percentile | $100,910 | $48.51 |
| Median | $129,780 | $62.40 |
| 75th percentile | $165,980 | $79.80 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $178,320 | $85.73 |
| Average (mean) | $131,630 | $63.28 |
Half of optometrists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $10,815 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,407.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,991.54 |
| Weekly | $2,495.77 |
| Hourly | $62.40 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $129,780 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Optometrist salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $128,890 | 40 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $127,110 | 140 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $102,860 | 50 |
Highest-paying states for optometrists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $170,310 |
| Maryland | $165,840 |
| North Carolina | $161,560 |
| Delaware | $161,270 |
| New York | $161,140 |
| New Jersey | $159,040 |
| Minnesota | $158,700 |
| Washington | $157,560 |
| Hawaii | $154,620 |
| Maine | $154,110 |
See Optometrist pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $37.80 |
| Pharmacist | $141,110 | $67.84 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $132,230 | $63.57 |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,660 | $45.03 |
| Physical Therapist | $97,790 | $47.02 |
| Physicians, All Other | $309,880 | $148.98 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $84,080 | $40.42 |
| Dentists, General | $209,300 | $100.62 |
| Occupational Therapist | $78,770 | $37.87 |
| Physician Assistant | $133,830 | $64.34 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $265,200 | $127.50 |
| Chiropractor | $74,810 | $35.96 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $65,820 | $31.64 |
| Veterinarian | $130,900 | $62.93 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-1041. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a optometrist make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for optometrists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $129,780 a year, or $62.40 an hour. Pay ranges from $67,930 for the lowest-paid 10% to $178,320 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid optometrists make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of optometrists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $178,320 a year. The top 25% earn $165,980 or more.
What is the starting pay for optometrists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $67,930 a year, and a quarter of optometrists earn $100,910 or less.
How many optometrists work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 110 optometrists are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.