Salary distribution
Where Iowa optometrists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $84,780 and $159,030, with a median of $119,990.
Optometrists pay by experience level in Iowa
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Iowa over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.8 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Biology
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 4.1 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.
- 02
Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
- 03
Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
- 04
Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
- 05
Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
- 06
Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
- 07
Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
- 08
Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+7.9%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Optometrists
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesCompare Optometrists pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Optometrists in Iowa?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Optometrists in Iowa is $119,990.
- How does Iowa compare to the national median for Optometrists?
- The Iowa median is -9.0% versus the BLS national figure of $131,844.
- What is the salary range for Optometrists in Iowa?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $77,000 and the 90th-percentile at $178,520, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Optometrists a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 7.9% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Optometrists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.