HealthcareUpdated Q1 2026

Optometrist Salary
in Cedar Rapids, IA

Examine eyes for vision problems and disease, prescribing corrective lenses and treatment. Median salary in Cedar Rapids: $117K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$117K
per year
Take-home: $77K

Salary range in Cedar Rapids

Entry level (25th)$95,000
Median (50th)$117,000
Senior (75th)$143,000
Top earner (90th)$179,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Cedar Rapids

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

15% discount vs national median

Optometrists in Cedar Rapids earn approximately 15% lower than the US national median for this role β€” a $21,000 discount on annual base salary. Cedar Rapids's lower wage level partially reflects the area's cost-of-living index of 85 (US avg = 100).

Primarily on-site role

Only 5% of Optometrist positions offer remote flexibility, meaning the Cedar Rapids salary above represents what local employers actually pay β€” not a remote-anywhere rate. Geographic constraints reinforce the local market, so the salary range above is more directly applicable than for remote-friendly roles.

Key facts for Cedar Rapids

Median salary
$117K
annual
Take-home pay
$77K
after fed/state tax
COL index
85
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.82%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,050
per month
YoY growth
+2.8%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Cedar Rapids Optometrist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $117K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Cedar Rapids

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Optometrist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$98K$107K$115K$124K$132K201920212023202520272029
2026
$120K
projected
2027
$123K
projected
2028
$126K
projected
2029
$129K
projected
2030
$132K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$117,000+$0
2028 projected$117,000+$0
2029 projected$117,000+$0
2030 projected$117,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Optometrist Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Optometrist salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $117,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Cedar Rapids–IA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Optometrist in Cedar Rapids

Entry-level Optometrists in Cedar Rapids with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $95,000 and $117,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $117,000 to $143,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $143,000 to $179,000 or more.

Cost of living in Cedar Rapids for Optometrists

Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 85 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 15% further in Cedar Rapids than the national average. Iowa has a 4.82% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Optometrist

Doctor of Optometry (OD); state licensure. 5% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Optometrist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Cedar Rapids (current)$117K85
Des Moines$131K88
Davenport$113K82